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PLAYS OF TO-DAY AND TO-MORROW 



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THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 



THE MASTER OF 
MRS. CHILVERS 



BY 

JEROME K. JEROME 



NEW YORK 

DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY 

1911 



Copyright, 1911 
Bt JEROME K. JEROME 






(All rights reserved.) 



CHARACTERS 

Lady Mogton President Women's Parliamen- 
tary Franchise League 

Axnys Ciiilveks nee Mogton, Honorary Secre- 

tary W.P.F.L. 

Phozbe Mogton Organising Secretary W.P.F.L. 

Janet Blake Joint Organizing Secretary 

W.P.F.L. 

Mrs. Mointcaem-Yilliers .Vice-President W.P.F.L. 

ELIZABETH Spender Honorary Treasurer W.P.F.L. 

(Forming the Council) 

Geoffrey Chilvers, M.P. . . President Men's League for 

Extension of Franchise to 
Women 

Dorian St. Herbert Honorary Secretary to M.L.E. 

F.W. * 

Mrs. Ohinn A pew-opener 

Bra Lamb, m.P A Labour Memher 

WILLIAM Gordon Formerly known as "Jaw- 

bones" 

ROBE Merton Formerly known as "Ginger" 

Hake A Butler 

SlOBBY An Election Agent 

Mr. Peekin "I 

Mb. Hopper 

Mrs. Peekin [ A Deputation 

Miss Boreas si: | 

Miss RickettsJ 



THE FIRST ACT 

Scene: Drawing-room, 91, Russell Square. 

Time: 3 p.m. 

THE SECOND ACT 

Scene: Liberal Committee Room, East India Dock Road 

Time: 5 p.m. 

THE THIRD ACT 

Scene: The Town Hall, East Poplar. 

Time: 10 p.m. 

THE FOURTH ACT 

Scene: Russell Square. 

Time: Midnight. 



THE FIRST ACT 



THE FIRST ACT 
Scene: — Drawing-room, 91, Russell Square. 
Time : — Afternoon. 

(Mrs. Elizabeth Spender sits near the fire, 
reading a book. She is a tall, thin woman, 
with passionate eyes, set in an oval face of 
olive complexion; the features are regular 
and severe; her massive dark hair is almost 
primly arranged. She wears a tailor-made 
costume, surmounted by a plain black hat. 
The door opens and Phoebe enters, shown in 
by Hake, the butler, a thin, ascetic-looking 
man of about thirty, with prematurely grey 
hair. Phoebe Mogton is of the Fluffy Ruf- 
fles type, petite, with a retrousse nose, re- 
markably bright eyes, and a quantity of fluffy 
light hair, somewhat untidily arranged. She 
is fashionably dressed in the fussy, flyaway 
style. Elizabeth looks up; the two young 
women shake liands.) 

Phoebe 

Good woman. 'Tisn't three o'clock yet, is it? 

3 



4 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Elizabeth 

About five minutes to. 

Phoebe 

Annys is on her way. I just caught her in time. 
{To Hake.) Put a table and six chairs. Give 
mamma a hammer and a cushion at her back. 

Hake 

A hammer, miss .' 

Phoebe 

A chairman's hammer. Haven't you got one? 

Hake 

I'm afraid not, miss. Would a gravy spoon do? 

Phoebe 

{To Elizabeth, afU r expression of disgust.) 
Fancy a house without a chairman's hammer! {To 
Hake.) See that there's something. Did your wife 
go to the meeting last nighl .' 

Hake 

{II< is arranging furniture according to instruc- 
tions.) I'm not quite sure, miss. I gave her the 
evening out. 

Phoebe 

" Gave her the evening out "! 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 5 

Elizabeth 

We are speaking of your wife, man, not your serv- 
ant. 

Hake 

Yes, miss. You see, we don't keep servants in our 
class. Somebody's got to put the children to bed. 

Elizabeth 

Why not the man — occasionally? 

Hake 

Well, you see, miss, in my case, I rarely getting 
home much before midnight, it would make it so 
late. Yesterday being my night off, things fitted in, 
so to speak. Will there be any writing, miss? 

Phoebe 

Yes. See that there's plenty of blotting-paper. 
{To Elizabeth.) Mamma always splashes so. 

Hake 

Yes, miss. {He goes out.) 

Elizabeth 

Did you ever hear anything more delightfully 
naive? He " gave " her the evening out. That's 
how they think of us — as their servants. The gen- 
tleman hasn't the courage to be straightforward 
about it. The butler blurts out the truth. Why are 
we meeting here instead of at our own place? 



6 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILYERS 

Phoebe 

For secrecy, I expect. Too many gasbags always 
about the office. I fancy — I'm not quite sure — that 
mamma's got a new idea. 

Elizabeth 
Leading to Holloway? 

Phoebe 

Well, most roads lead there. 

Elizabet i i 

And end there — so far as I can see. 

Phoebe 

You're too impatient. 

Elizabeth 

It's what our friends have been telling us — for the 
last fifty years. 

Phoebe 

Look here, if it was only the usual sort of thing 
mamma wouldn't want it kept secret. I'm inclined 
to think it's a new departure altogether. 

(The door opens. There enters Janet Blake, 
followed by Hake, who proceeds with his 
work. Janet Blake is a slight, fragile-look- 
ing creature, her great dark eyes — the eyes of 
a fanatic — emphasise the pallor of her child- 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 7 

ish face. She is shabbily dressed; a plain, 
uninteresting girl until she smiles, and then 
her face becomes quite beautiful. Phoebe 
darts to meet her.) 

Good girl. Was afraid— I say, you're wet through. 

Janet 

It was only a shower. The 'buses were all full. 
I had to ride outside. 

Phoebe 

Silly kid, why didn 't you take a cab ? 

Janet 

I've been reckoning it up. I've been half over 
London chasing Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers. Cabs 
would have come, at the very least, to twelve-and- 
six. 

Phoebe 
Well 



Janet 

(To Elizabeth.) Well— I want you to put me 
down as a contributor for twelve-and-six. (She 
smiles.) It's the only way I can give. 

Phoebe 

(She is taking off Janet's cloak; throws it to 
Hake.) Have this put somewhere to dry. (She 
pushes Janet to the fire.) Get near the fire. You're 
as cold as ice. 



8 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILYERS 

Elizabeth 

All the seats inside, I suppose, occupied by the 
chivalrous sex. 

Janet 

Oh, there was one young fellow offered to give me 
up his place, but I wouldn't let him. You see, we're 
claiming equality. (Smiles.) 

Elizabeth 

And are being granted it — in every direction 
where it works to the convenience of man. 

Phoebe 

(Laughs.) Is she coming — the Villiers woman? 

Janet 

Yes. I ran her down at last — at her dressmaker's. 
She made an awful fuss about it, but I wouldn't 
leave till she'd promised. Tell me, it's something 
quite important, isn't it? 

Phoebe 

I don't know anything, except that I had an urgent 
telegram from mamma this morning to call a meet- 
ing of the entire Council here at three o'clock. She's 
coming up from Manchester on purpose. (To 
Hake.) Mrs. Chilvers hasn't returned yet, has she? 

Hake 

Not yet, miss. Shall I telephone 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 9 

Phoebe 

(Shakes her head.) No; it's all right. I have 
seen her. Let her know we are here the moment she 
comes in. 

Hake 

Yes, miss. 

(He has finished the arrangements. The table 
has been placed in the centre of the room, six 
chairs round it, one of them being a large 
arm-chair. He has placed writing materials 
and a large silver gravy spoon. He is go- 
ing.) 

Phoebe 

"Why aren't you sure your wife wasn't at the 
meeting last night? Didn't she say anything? 

Hake 

Well, miss, unfortunately, just as she was start- 
ing, Mrs. Comerford — that's the wife of the party 
that keeps the shop downstairs — looked in with an 
order for the theatre. 

Phoebe 
Oh! 

Hake 

So I thought it best to ask no questions. 

Phoebe 

Thank you. 



10 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Hake 

Thank you, miss. (He goes out.) 

Elizabeth 

Can nothing be done to rouse the working-class 
woman out of her apathy? 

Phoebe 

Well, if you ask me, I think a good deal has been 
done. 

Elizabeth 

Oh, what's the use of our deceiving ourselves? 
The great mass are utterly indifferent. 

Janet 

(She is seated in an easy-chair near the fire.) I 
was talking to a woman only yesterday — in Bethnal 
Green. She keeps a husband and three children by 
taking in washing. " Lord, miss," she laughed, 
" what would we do with the vote if we did have it? 
only one thing more to give to the men." 

Phoebe 

That's rather good. 

Elizabeth 

The curse of it is that it's true. Why should they 
put themselves out merely that one man instead of 
another should dictate their laws to them? 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 11 

Phoebe 

My dear girl, precisely the same argument was 
used against the Second Reform Bill. What earthly 
difference could it make to the working men whether 
Tory Squire or Liberal capitalist ruled over them? 
That was in 1868. To-day, fifty-four Labour Mem- 
bers sit in Parliament. At the next election they will 
hold the balance. 

Elizabeth 

Ah, if we could only hold out that sort of hope to 
them! 

(Annys enters. She is in outdoor costume. She 
kisses Phoebe, shakes hands with the other 
two. Annys 's age is about twenty-five. She 
is a beautiful, spiritual-looking creature, tall 
and graceful, with a manner that is at the 
same time appealing and commanding. Her 
voice is soft and caressing, but capable of ex- 
pressing all the emotions. Her likeness to 
her younger sister Phoebe is of the slightest; 
the colouring is the same, and the eyes that 
can flash, but there the similarity ends. She 
is simply but well dressed. Her soft hair 
makes a quiet but wonderfully effective frame 
to her face.) 

Annys 

(She is taking off her outdoor things.) Hope I'm 
not late. I had to look in at Caxton House. Why 
are we holding it here? 



12 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS. 

Phoebe 

Mamma's instructions. Can't tell you anything 
more — except that I gather the matter's important, 
and is to be kept secret. 

Annys 

Mamma isn't here, is she? 

Phoebe 

(Shakes her head.) Reaches St. Pancras at two- 
forty. (Looks at her watch.) Train's late, I expect. 

(Hake has entered.) 

Annys 

(She hands Hake her hat and coat.) Have some- 
thing ready in case Lady Mogton hasn't lunched. Is 
your master in ? 

Hake 

A messenger came for him soon after you left, 
ma'am. I was to tell you he would most likely be 
dining at the House. 

Annys 

Thank you. 

(Hake goes out.) 

Annys 

(To Elizabeth.) I so want you to meet Geoffrey. 
He'll alter your opinion of men. 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 13 

Elizabeth 

My opinion of men has been altered once or twice 
— each time for the worse. 

Annys 

Why do you dislike men? 

Elizabeth 

(With a short laugh.) Why does the slave dislike 
the slave-owner? 

Phoebe 

Oh, come off the perch. You spend five thousand 
a year provided for you by a husband that you only 
see on Sundays. We'd all be slaves at that price. 

Elizabeth 

The chains have always been stretched for the few. 
My sympathies are with my class. 

Annys 

But men like Geoffrey — men who are devoting 
their whole time and energy to furthering our cause ; 
what can you have to say against them? 

Elizabeth 

Simply that they don't know what they're doing. 
The French Revolution was nursed in the salons of 
the French nobility. When the true meaning of the 
woman's movement is understood we shall have to 
get on without the male sympathiser. 

(A pause.) 



14 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Annys 

"What do you understand is the true meaning of 
the woman's movement? 

Elizabeth 

The dragging down of man from his position of 
supremacy. "What else can it mean? 

Annys 

Something much better. The lifting up of woman 
to be his partner. 

Elizabeth 

My dear Annys, the men who to-day are advocat- 
ing votes for women are doing so in the hope of 
securing obedient supporters for their own political 
schemes. In New Zealand the working man brings 
his female relations in a van to the poll, and sees to 
it that they vote in accordance with his orders. 
When man once grasps the fact that woman is not go- 
ing to be his henchman, but his rival, men and women 
will face one another as enemies. 

(The door opens. Hake announces Lady Mog- 
ton and Dorian St. Herbert. Lady Mog- 
ton is a large, strong-featured woman, with 
a naturally loud voice. She is dressed with 
studded carelessness. Dorian St. Herbert, 
K.C., is a tall, thin man, about thirty. He is 
elegantly, almost dandily, dressed.) 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 15 

Annys 

(Kissing her mother.) Have you had lunch? 

Lady Mogton 
In the train. 

Phoebe 

(Who has also kissed her mother and shaken hands 
with St. Herbert.) We are all here except Villiers. 
She's coming. Did you have a good meeting? 

Lady Mogton 

Fairly. Some young fool had chained himself to 
a pillar and thrown the key out of window. 

Phoebe 

What did you do? 

Lady Mogton 

Tied a sack over his head and left him there. 

(She turns aside for a moment to talk to St. 
Herbert, ivho has taken some papers from 
his despatch-box.) 

Annys 

(To Elizabeth.) We must finish out our talk 
some other time. You are quite wrong. 

Elizabeth 
Perhaps. 



16 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Lady Mogton 

We had better begin. I have only got half an 
hour. 

Janet 

I saw Mrs. Villiers. She promised she'd come. 

Lady Mogton 

You should have told her we were going to be 
photographed. Then she'd have been punctual. 
(She has taken her seat at the table. St. Herbert 
at her right.) Better put another chair in case she 
does turn up. 

Janet 

(Does so.) Shall I take any notes? 

Lady Mogton 

No. (To Annys.) Give instructions that we are 
not to be interrupted for anything. 
(Annys rings bell.) 

St. Herbert 

(He turns to Phoebe, on Ids rigid.) Have you 
heard the latest? 

There was an old man of Hong Kong, 
Whose language was terribly strong. 
(Enter Hake. He brings a bottle and glass, 
width he places.) 

Annys 

Oh, Hake, please, don't let us be interrupted for 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 17 

anything. If Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers comes, show 
her up. But nobody else. 

Hake 

Yes, ma'am. (Hake goes out.) 

St. Herbert 
(Continuing.) 

It wasn't the ivords 
Tli at frightened the birds, 
'Twas the 'orrible double-entendre. 

Lady Mogton 

(Who has sat waiting in grim silence.) Have you 
finished ? 

St. Herbert 
Quite finished. 

Lady Mogton 

Thank you. (She raps for silence.) You will un- 
derstand, please, all, that this is a private meeting of 
the council. Nothing that transpires is to be allowed 
to leak out. (There is a murmur.) Silence, please, 
for Mr. St. Herbert. 

St. Herbert 

Before we begin, I should like to remind you, 
ladies, that you are, all of you, persons mentally de- 
ficient 

(The doar opens. Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers 
(liters, announced by Hake. She is a show- 
ily-dressed, flamboyant lady.) 



18 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers 

I am so sorry. I have only just this minute- 



(She catches sight of St. Herbert.) You naughty 
creature, why weren't you at my meeting last night? 
The Rajah came with both his wives. We've elected 
them, all three, honorary members. 

Lady Mogton 

Do you mind sitting down? 

Mr*. Mountcalm-Villiers 

Here, dear? (She talcs the vacant chair.) So 
nice of you. I read about your meeting. What a 
clever idea. 

Lady Mogton 

(Cuts her short.) Yes. We are here to consider 
a very important matter. By way of commencement 
Mr. St. Herbert has just reminded us that in the eye 
of the law all women are imbeciles. 

Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers 

I know, dear. Isn't it shocking? 

St. Herbert 

Deplorable; but of course not your fault. I men- 
tion it because of its importance to the present mat- 
ter. Under Clause A of the Act for the Better Regu- 
lation, &c, &c, all persons " mentally deficient " are 
debarred from becoming members of Parliament. 
The classification has been held to include idiots, in- 
fants, and women. 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 19 

(An interruption. Lady Mogton hammers.) 
Bearing this carefully in mind, we proceed. (He 
r&fers to his notes.) Two years ago a bye-election 
took place in the South-west division of Belfast. 

Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers 

My dear, may I ? It has just occurred to me. Why 
do we never go to Ireland? 

Lady Mogton 

For various sufficient reasons. 

Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers 

So many of the Irish members have expressed 
themselves quite sympathetically. 

Lady Mogton 

We wish them to continue to do so. (Turns to St. 
Herbert. ) I 'm sorry. 

St. Herbert 

A leader of the Orange Party was opposed by a 
Nationalist, and the proceedings promised to be 
lively. They promised for a while to be still livelier, 
owing to the nomination at the last moment of the 
local lunatic. 

Phoebe 

(To Annys.) This is where we come in. 

St. Herbert 

There is always a local lunatic, who, if harmless, is 
generally a popular character. James Washington 



20 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

McCaw appears to have been a particularly cheerful 
specimen. One of his eccentricities was to always 
have a skipping-rope in his pocket; wherever the 
traffic allowed it, he would go through the streets 
skipping. He said it kept him warm. Another of 
his tricks was to let off fireworks from the roof of his 
house whenever he heard of the death of anybody of 
importance. The Returning Officer refused his nom- 
ination — which, so far as his nominators were con- 
cerned, was intended only as a joke — on the grounds 
of his being by common report a person of unsound 
mind. And there, so far as South-west Belfast was 
concerned, the matter ended. 

Phoebe 
Pity. 

St. Herbert 

But not so far as the Returning Officer was con- 
cerned. McCaw appears to have been a lunatic pos- 
sessed of means, imbued with all an Irishman's love 
of litigation. He at once brought an action against 
the Returning Officer, his contention being that his 
mental state was a private matter, of which the Re- 
turning Officer was not the person to judge. 

Phoebe 

He wasn't a lunatic all over. 

St. Herbert 
We none of us are. The case went from court to 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 21 

court. In every instance the decision was in favour 
of the Returning Officer. Until it reached the House 
of Lords. The decision was given yesterday after- 
noon — in favour of the man McCaw. 

Elizabeth 

Then lunatics, at all events, are .. >t debarred from 
going to the poll. 

St. Herbert 

The "mentally deficient" are no longer debarred 
from going to the poll. 

Elizabeth 

What grounds were given for the decision? 

St. Herbert 

(He refers again to his notes.) A Returning Of- 
ficer can only deal with objections arising out of the 
nomination paper. He has no jurisdiction to go be- 
hind a nomination paper and constitute himself a 
court of inquiry as to the fitness or unfitness of a can- 
didate. 

Phoebe 

Good old House of Lords ! 

(Lady Mogton hammers.) 

Elizabeth 

But I thought it was part of the Returning Offi- 
cer's duty to inquire into objections, that a special 
time was appointed to deal with them. 



22 THE MASTER OP MRS. CHILVERS 

St. Herbert 

He will still be required to take cognizance of any 
informality in the nomination paper or papers. Be- 
yond that, this decision relieves him of all further 
responsibility. 

Janet V 

But this gives us everything. 

St. Herbert 

It depends upon what you call everything. It 
| jives a woman the right to go to the poll — a right 
vhich, as a matter of fact, she has always possessed. 

] i'HOEBE 

Then why did the Returning Officer for Camber- 
well in 1885 

St. Herbert 

Because he did not know the law. And Miss Helen 
Taylor had not the means possessed by our friend 
McCaw to teach it to him. 

Annts 

(Rises. She goes to the centre of the room.) 

Lady Mogton 

Where are you going? 

Annts 

(She tarns; there are tears in her eyes. The ques- 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 23 

Hon seems to recall her to herself.) Nowhere. I am 
so sorry. I can't help it. It seems to me to mean so 
much. It gives us the right to go before the people — 
to plead to them, not for ourselves, for them. {Again 
she seems to lose consciousness of those at the table, 
of the room.) To the men we will say: "Will you 
not trust us? Is it harm we have ever done you? 
Were we not sent into the world to be your helpmeet ? 
Are not the children ours as well as yours? Shall 
we not work together to shape the world where they 
must dwell? Is it only the mother-voice that shall 
not be heard in your councils ? Is it only the mother- 
hand that shall not help to guide ? " To the women we 
will say : ' ' Tell them — tell them it is from no love of 
ourselves that we come from our sheltered homes into 
the street. It is to give, not to get — to mingle with 
the sterner judgments of men the deeper truths that 
God, through pain, has taught to women — to min- 
gle with man's justice woman's pity, till there shall 
arise the perfect law — not made of man nor woman, 
but of both, each bringing what the other lacks." 
And they will listen to us. Till now it has seemed 
to them that we were clamouring only for selfish 
ends. They have not understood. We shall speak 
to them of common purposes, use the language of 
fellow-citizens. They will see that we are worthy of 
the place we claim. They will welcome us as helpers 
in a common cause. They 

(She turns — the present comes bach to her.) 



24 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Lady Mogton 

(After a pause.) The business (she dwells severely 
on the word) before the meeting 

Annys 

(Sh-e reseats herself meekly. Apologising gener- 
ally.) I must learn to control myself. 

Lady Mogton 

(Who has waited.) is McCaw versus Potts. 

Its bearing upon the movement for the extension of 
the franchise to women. My own view I venture to 
submit in the form of a resolution. (She takes up a 
paper on which she has been writing.) As follows: 
That the Council of the Woman's Parliamentary 
Franchise League, having regard to the decision of 
the House of Lords in McCaw v. Potts 

St. Herbert 

(Looking over.) Two t's. 

Lady Mogton 

resolves to bring forward a woman candidate 

to contest the next bye-election. {Suddenly to Mrs. 
Mountcalm-Villiers, who is chattering.) Do you 
agree or disagree? 

Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers 

My dear! How can you ask? Of course we all 
agree. (To Elizabeth.) You agree, don't you? 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 25 

Elizabeth 

Of course, even if elected, she would not be allowed 
to take her seat. 

Phoebe 

How do you know? Nothing more full of sur- 
prises than English law. 

Lady Mogton 

At the present stage I regard that point as imma- 
terial. What I am thinking of is the advertisement. 
A female candidate upon the platform will concen- 
trate the whole attention of the country on our move- 
ment. 

St. Herbert 

It might even be prudent — until you have got the 
vote — to keep it dark that you will soon be proceed- 
ing to the next inevitable step. 

Elizabeth 

You think even man could be so easily deceived ! 

St. Herbert 

Man has had so much practice in being deceived. 
It comes naturally to him. 

Elizabeth 
Poor devil ! 

Lady Mogton 

The only question remaining to be discussed is the 
candidate. 



26 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILYERS 

Annys 

Is there not danger that between now and the next 
bye-election the Government may, having regard to 
this case, bring in a bill to stop women candidates 
from going to the poll? 

St. Herbert 

I have thought of that. Fortunately, the case 
seems to have attracted very little attention. If a 
bye-election occurred soon there would hardly be 
time. 

Lady Mogton 

It must be the very next one that does occur — 
wherever it is. 

.7 \ vet 

I am sure that in the East End we should have a 
el i .nice. 

Phoebe 

Great Scott ! Just think. If we were to win it ! 

St. Herbert 

If you could get a straight fight against a Liberal 
I believe you would. 

Annys 

Why is the Government so unpopular? 

St. Herbert 

Well, take the weather alone — twelve degrees of 
frost again last night. 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 27 

Janet 

In St. George's Road the sewer has burst. The 
water is in the rooms where the children are sleeping. 
(She clenches her hands.) 

Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers 

(She shakes her head.) Something ought really 
to be done. 

Lady Mogton 

Has anybody any suggestion to make? — as regards 
the candidate. There's no advantage in going out- 
side. It will have to be one of ourselves. 

Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers 
Won't you, dear? 

Lady Mogton 

/ shall be better employed organising. My own 
feeling is that it ought to be Annys. (To St. Her- 
bert.) What do you think? 

St. Herbert 
Undoubtedly. 

Annys 

I'd rather not, 

Lady Mogton 

It's not a question of liking. It's a question of 
duty. For this occasion we shall be appealing to 
the male voter. Our candidate must be a woman 
popular with men. The choice is somewhat limited. 



28 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Elizabeth 

No one will put up so good a fight as you. 

Annys 

Will you give me till this evening? 

Lady Mogton 
What tor.' 

Annys 

I should like to consult Geoffrey. 

Lady Mogton 

You think he would object? 

Annys 

(A little doubtfully.) No. But we have always 
talked everything over together. 

Lady Mogton 

Absurd ! He's one of our staunchest supporters. 
Of course he'll be delighted. 

Elizabeth 

I think the thing ought to be settled at once. 

Lady Mogton 

It must be. I have to return to Manchester to- 
night. We shall have to get to work immediately. 

St. Herbert 

Geoffrey will surely take it as a compliment. 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 29 

Janet 

Don't you feel that woman, all over the world, is 
calling to you? — 

Annts 

It isn 'f that. I 'm not trying to shirk it. I merely 
thought that if there has been time — of course, if 
you really think 

Lady Mogton 
You consent ? 

Annys 

Yes. If it's everybody's wish. 

Lady Mogton 
That's settled. 

Phoebe 

(She springs up, waving a handkerchief.) Chilvers 
for ever ! 

Janet 

(Rises.) God bless you! 

Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers 

(Clapping her hands.) Now we shan't be long! 

Lady Mogton 

(Hammers.) Order, please! 

(The three subside.) 



30 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

This is serious business. The next step is, of 



course- 



(The door opens; Geoffrey enters. He is a 
youngish-looking man of three or four and 
thirty. Lady Mogton, at the sound of the 
door, turns. St. Herbert rises. There is a 
pause.) 

Lady Mogton 

We've been talking about you. We must apolo- 
gise for turning your drawing-room 

Geoffrey 

My dear mother-in-law, it is Providence. (He 
kisses her.) There is no one I was more longing 
to see. 

Annys 

(She has risen.) Hake told me you would be 
dining at the House. 

Geoffrey 

(He comes to her, kisses her, he is in a state of 
suppressed excitement.) I shall be. I came back 
to bring you some news. 

Phoebe 

We've got some news for you. Have you 
heard 

Geoffrey 

(He stays her.) May I claim man's privilege for 
the first word? It is news, I am sure, you will all 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 31 

be delighted to hear. A friend of yours has been 
appointed to an office where — it is quite possible — 
he may be of service to you. 

Phoebe 

Governorship of Holloway Gaol? 

Geoffrey 

Not a bad guess. Very near it. To the Under- 
Secretaryship for Home Affairs. 

Lady Mogton 
Who is it! 

Geoffrey 

(He bows.) Your affectionate and devoted servant. 

Annys 
You! 

Phoebe 

(Genuinely delighted. She is not a quick thinker.) 
Bravo! Congratulations, old boy! (She has risen 
— she slaps him on the back.) 

Annys 

Geoffrey! (She puts her arms about him.) You 
never told me anything. 

Geoffrey 

I know, dear. I was afraid. It mightn't have 
come off. And then you would have been so dis- 
appointed. 



32 THE MASTER OF MRS. .CHILVERS 

Annys 

{There are tears in her eyes. She still clings to 
him*.) I am so glad. Oh, I am so glad! 

Geoffrey 

It is all your doing. You have been such a splen- 
did help. {He breaks gently away from her. Turns 
to St. Herbert, with a lighter tone.) Haven't you 
anything to say to a fellow? You're not usually 
dumb. 

St. Herbert 

It has all been so sudden — as the early Victorian 
heroine was fond of remarking ! 

Geoffrey 

{Laughs.) It has been sudden. We had. none of 
us, any idea till yesterday that old Bullock was 
thinking of resigning. 

Elizabeth 

{She has risen cud movi d towards the fire.) Won't 
it necessitate a bye-election? 

(Lady Mogton and St. Herbert hart been 
thinking it out. On the others thi word jells 
like a bombshell.) 

Geoffrey 

{He turns to her. lie docs not set their faces.) 
Yes. But I don't anticipate a contest, The Con- 
servatives are without a candidate, and I am on 
good terms with the Labour Party. Perhaps Mr. 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 33 

Hunnable {He laughs, then, turning, catches 

sight of his wife's face. From Annys he looks to the 
others. ) 

Lady Mogton 

{She has risen.) You haven't heard, then, of 
"McCaw versus Potts"? 

Geoffrey 
"McCaw versus Potts!" What the 



St. Herbert 

Was decided in the House of Lords late yesterday 
afternoon. Briefly stated, it confers upon women 
the right of becoming Parliamentary candidates. 

Geoffrey 

{He is staggered.) You mean 



Lady Mogton 

Having regard to which, we have decided to bring 
forward a woman candidate to contest the next bye- 
election. 

Geoffrey 
Urn ! I see. 

Annys 

But we never thought — we never anticipated it 
would be Geoffrey's. 

Lady Mogton 

I really cannot admit that that alters the case. 



34 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Geoffrey himself would never dream, I am sure, of 
asking us to sacrifice our cause to his convenience. 

Geoffrey 
No. Of course not. Certainly not. 

Lady Mogton 

It is perhaps unfortunate that the candidate se- 
lected 

Annys 

It is quite impossible. Such a dilemma was never 
dreamed of. 

Lady Mogton 

And if not? Is the solidarity of woman 



Geoffrey 

(Beginning to guess.) Forgive my impatience; 
but whom have you selected? 

Elizabeth 

(When she likes she can be quite sweet.) Your 
wife. (He expected it.) We rather assumed (she 
appeals to the others with a gesture), I think that 
the president of the Man's League for the Extension 
of the Franchise to Women would regard it as a 
compliment. 

Geoffrey 

(His dislike for her is already in existence.) Yes. 
Very thoughtful. 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 35 

Annys 

You must choose some one else. 

Phoebe 

But there is no one else. 

Annys 

There's mamma. 

Phoebe 

Mamma's too heavy. 

Annys 

Well, then, there's Elizabeth — there's you! 

Geoffrey 

Yes. Why not you? You and I could have a 
jolly little fight. 

Lady Mogton 

This is not a laughing matter. If I could think 
of any one to take Annys 's place I should not insist. 
I cannot. 

Phoebe 

You see, it mustn't be a crank. 

Geoffrey 

(He is losing his temper.) Yes, I suppose that 
does limit you. 

Elizabeth 

And then — thanks to you — Mrs. Chilvers has had 



36 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

such excellent training in politics. It was that, I 
think, that decided us. 

Geoffrey 

(Convention forbids his strangling her.) Will 
somebody kindly introduce me to this lady? 

St. Herbert 

Ah, yes, of course. You don't know each other, 
do you? Mr. Geoffrey Chilvers — Mrs. Joseph 
Spender. Mrs. Spender — Mr. Chilvers, M.P. 

Elizabeth 

(Sweetly.) Delighted! 

Geoffrey 

(Not.) Charmed. 

Lady Mogton 

(To Annys.) I am not indifferent to your dif- 
ficulty. But the history of woman, my dear Annys, 
is a history of sacrifice. We give our sons — if neces- 
sary, our husbands. 

Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers 
(Affected.) How true! 

Annys 

But you are not asking me to give him. You 
are asking me to fight him. I can't. 

Lady Mogton 

You mean you won't. 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 37 

Annys 

You can put it that way if you like. I won't. 

(A pause.) 

Janet 

I thought Mrs. Chilvers had pledged her word. 

Elizabeth 

Yes. But without her husband's consent. So,. 
of course, it doesn't count. 

Geoffrey 

(He turns on her.) Why not you — if there must 
be a fight? Or would it be against your principles? 

Elizabeth 
Not in the least. 

Geoffrey 
Ah! 

Elizabeth 

I would offer myself as a substitute. Only it 
might seem like coming between husband and wife. 

Geoffrey 

(He turns away with a grunt of disgust.) 

Phoebe 

It's awfully rough on you, Geoffrey. I can see it 
from your point of view. But one can't help re- 
membering the things that you yourself have said. 



38 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Geoffrey 

I know; I know. I've been going up and down 
the country, excusing even your excesses on the 
ground that no movement can force its way to the 
front without treading on innumerable toes. For 
me, now, to cry halt merely because it happens to 
be my own toes that are in the way would be — 
ridiculous — absurd — would be monstrous. (Nobody 
contradicts Jiim.) You are perfectly justified — if 
this case means what you say it does — in putting 
up a candidate against me for East Poplar. Only, 
naturally, it cannot be Annys. (He reaches out his 
hand to win re Annys stands a little behind him, 
takes her hand.) Annys and I have fought more 
than«one election. It has been side by side. 

Elizabeth 

The lady a little behind. 

Geoffrey 

(He moves away with an expression of deep an- 
noyance.) 

Janet 

(She comes forward. She holds forth her hands 
with a half-appealing, half-commanding gesture. 
She almost seems inspired.) Would it not be so 
much better if, in this first political contest between 
man and woman, the opponents were two people 
honouring one another, loving one another? Would 
it not show to all the world that man and woman 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 39 

may meet — contend in public life without anger, 
without scorn? {There is a pause. They stand 
listening.) I do not know, but it seems to me that 
if Mr. Chilvers could bring himself to do this it 
would be such a big thing — perhaps the most chival- 
rous thing that a man has ever done to help women. 
If he would put aside, quite voluntarily, all the 
man's privilege — just say to the people, "Now choose 
— one of us two to serve you. We stand before you, 
equal, my wife and I." I don't know how to put it, 
but I feel that by merely doing that one thing Mr. 
Chilvers would solve the whole problem. It would 
prove that good men are ready to give us of their 
free accord all that we claim. "We should gain our 
rights, not by warfare, but through love and under- 
standing. Wouldn't that be — so much better? (She 
looks — her hands still appealing — from one to the 
other.) 

(Another silence. They liave all been carried a 
little off their feet by Janet's earnestness.) 

Annys 

(She touches him.) What do you think, dear? 

Geoffrey 

Yes, there's a good deal, of course, in what Miss 
Blake says. 

Annys 

It would be a big thing for you to do. 



40 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Phoebe 

You see, whatever happened, the seat would be 
yours. This case only gives us the right to go to 
the poll. We are keen upon Annys because she's 
our best card, that's all. 

Geoffrey 

Do you wish it? 

Annys 

(She smiles up at him.) I'd rather fight you than 
any one else. 

Geoffrey 

You are not afraid that the situation might be — 
just a trifle comical? 

Annys 

(Shales her head.) No. I think everybody will 
say it was rather splendid of you. 

Geoffrey 
Well, if it will help women. 

Annys 

(She holds out her hand.. She is still in exalted 
mooel.) We will show how man and woman may 
be drawn nearer to one another by rivalry for noble 
ends. 

St. Herbert 

(He shakes Geoffrey's somewhat limp hand.) 
I envy you. The situation promises to be piquant. 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 41 

Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers 
It will be a battle of roses. 

Lady Mogton 

I must go. I shall see you both again to-morrow. 
(She kisses Geoffrey.) This is an historic day. 

Geoffrey 
Yes. I daresay we shall all remember it. 

Lady Mogton 

(To Janet.) I will get you to come to the station 
with me. I can give you your instructions in the 
cab. (She kisses Annys.) You have been called to 
a great work. Be worthy of it. 

(They are all making ready to go. Annys /ios 
rung the bell for Hake.) 

Janet 

(To Annys.) Are you glad? 

Annys 

(Kisses her.) You showed me the whole thing 
in a new light. You were splendid. (She turns to 
Elizabeth.) Didn't I tell you he would convert 
you ? 

Elizabeth 

I was wrong to judge all men guilty. There are 
also — the innocent. 



42 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Annys 

(For a moment — but a moment only — she is pleased. 
Then the doubtful meaning of Elizabeth's words 
strikes her.) 

(Enter Hake.) 

Annys 

(She has to dismiss Elizabeth.) Oh, Hake 

(To Lady Mogton.) You'll want a cab, won't you, 
mamma ? 

Lady Mogton 

A taxi Goodbye, everybody. 

(She sails out.) 

Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers 

I have my carriage. (To Elizabeth.) Can I give 
you a lift? 

Elizabeth 

Thank you. (To Geoffrey.) We shall meet 
again. 

Geoffrey 
I feel sure of it. 

(Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers and Elizabeth go 
out.) 

Phoebe 

(To Hake.) Are Miss Blake's things dry yet? 

Janet 

They'll be quite all right, dear. Please don't 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 43 

trouble. (She advances a timid hand to Geof- 
frey.) Goodbye, Mr. Chilvers. 

Geoffrey 

(He takes it smiling.) Goodbye. 

(She goes out; Hake follows.) 

Phoebe 

Goodbye, old boy. (They shake hands.) Don't 
you let her walk over you. Make her fight. 

Annys 

(Laughing.) Don't you worry about that. 

St. Herbert 

Would you care to look through McCaw v. Potts? 
(He has the papers in his hand.) 

Geoffrey 

I'll ask you for it when I want it. 

Phoebe 

(At the door.) You'll be alone this evening? 

Annys 

Yes. Come in to dinner. 

Phoebe 

All right, Goodbye. 

St. Herbert 
Goodbye. 

(Geoffrey and Annys answer them. They go 
out, closing the door. Geoffrey is by the 
fire. Annys comes to him.) 



44 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Annys 

(She puts her arms round him.) You don't 
mind? 

Geoffrey 

(He holds her at arms' length — looking into her 
eyes and smiling.) I believe you are looking for- 
ward to it. 

Annys 

Do you know how long we have been married? 
Eight years. And do you know, sir, that all that 
time we have never had a difference? Don't you 
think it will be good for you? 

Geoffrey 

Do you know why we have never had a difference? 
Because you have always had your own way. 

Annys 
Oh! 

Geoffrey 
You have got so used to it, you don't notice it. 

Annys 

Then it will be good for me. I must lenrn tc 
suffer opposition. (She laughs.) 

Geoffrey 
You won't like it. 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 45 

Annys 

Don't you know, I'm not at all sure that I shan't. 
(Unconsciously they let loose of one another.) You 
see, I shall have the right of hitting back. (Again 
she laughs.) 

Geoffrey 

(Also laughing.) Is woman going to develop the 
fighting instinct? 

Annys 
I wonder. 

(A moment's silence.) 

Geoffrey 

The difficulty in our case is — there seems nothing 
to fight about. 

Annys 

We must think of something. (Laughs.) 

Geoffrey 

What line are you going to take— what is your 

argument: why they should vote for you in pre- 
ference to me? 

Annys 

Simply that I am a woman. 

Geoffrey 

My dear child, that won't be enough. Why should 
they vote for you merely because you 're a woman ? 



46 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Annys 

(Slightly astonished.) Because — because women 
are wanted in public life. 

Geoffrey 
Who wants them? 

Annys 

(More astonished.) "Who? Why — (it doesn't 
seem too clear.) Why, all of us, you, yourself! 

Geoffrey 

I'm not East Poplar. 

Annys 

(Is puzzled a moment, then valiantly.) I shall 
ask them to send me to Parliament to represent 
the interests of their women — and therefore of them- 
selves — the interests of their children. 

Geoffrey 

Children ! What do you know about children ? 

(Another silence.) 

Annys 

Personally — no. We have had no children of our 
own, of course. But (hopefully) it is a woman's 
instinct. 

Geoffrey 

Oh, Lord! That's what the lady said who had 
buried seven. 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 47 

Annys 

(Her mouth is growing hard.) Don't you believe 
in the right of women to share in the govenrment 
of the country? 

Geoffrey 

Some women. Yes. I can see some capable 



Annys 
(Winces.) 

Geoffrey 

elderly, motherly woman who has brought up 

a dozen children of her own — who knows the world, 
being of some real use. 

Annys 

If it comes to that, there must be — I don't say 
more "capable," but more experienced, more fath- 
erly men than yourself. 

(He turns, they look at one another. His tone 
almost touched contempt — hers ivas veiled 
anger. ) 

Geoffrey 
That's the danger. It may come to a real fight. 

Annys 

(Upon her also the fear has fallen.) It must not. 
(She flings her arms around him.) We must show 



48 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

the world that man and woman can meet — contend 
in public life without anger, without scorn. 

Geoffrey 

(He folds her to him.) The very words sound 
ugly, don't they? 

Annys 

It would be hideous. {She d?'aws away.) How 
long will the election last? 

Geoffrey 

Not long. The writ will be issued on Wednesday. 
Nomination on Monday — polling, I expect, on Sat- 
urday. Puts me in mind — I must prepare my elec- 
tion address. 

Annys 

I ought to be getting on with mine, too, I suppose. 

Geoffrey 
It ought to be out by to-morrow. 

Annys 

(With inspiration.) We'll do yours first. (She 
wonders why he hesitates.) 

Geoffrey 
''We?" Shan't I have to do it alone— this time? 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 49 

Annys 

Alone ! Nonsense ! How can you ? 

Geoffrey 

I'm afraid I shall have to try. 

Annys 

Um! I suppose you're right. What a nuisance. 
(She turns away.) I shan't like it. 

Geoffrey 

(He moves towards the folding doors.) No. It 
won't be quite the same thing. Goodbye. 

Annys 

(She crosses to her desk by the window. Not the 
same instant but the next his "Goodbye" strikes her. 
She turns.) You're not going, are you? 

Geoffrey 

(He stops and turns — puzzled at her question.) 
Only into my study. 

Annys 

You said "Goodbye." 

Geoffrey 

(Not remembering.) I did! Must have been 
thinking of something else. I shall be in here if 
you want me. (He goes into the other room.) 



50 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Annys 

(She has crossed to her desk. She is humming. 
She seats herself, takes paper and pen, writes. With- 
out turning — still writing — she raises her voice.) 
Geoffrey! How do you spell "experimental"? One 
"r" or two? 

(There is no answer. Puzzled at the silence, she 
looks round. The great folding-doors are 
closed. She stares in front of her, thinking, 
then turns again to her work.) 

Curtain. 



THE SECOND ACT 



THE SECOND ACT 

Scene: — Liberal Central Committee Rooms, East 
India Dock Road, Poplar. A large, high room 
on the first floor of an old-fashioned house. Two 
high windows right. A door at back is the 
main entrance. A door left leads to other rooms. 
The walls are papered with election literature. 
Conspicuous among the posters displayed is "A 
Man for Men." "No Petticoat Government." 
"Will you be Henpecked?" A large, round table 
left centre is littered with papers and pamphlets. 
A large desk stands between tlie windows. A set- 
tee is against the left wall. 

(When the curtain rises, Rose Merton (other- 
wise "Ginger") is discovered seated, her left 
arm resting on the table. She is a young 
lady typical of the Cockney slavey type, 
dressed according to the ideas of her class as 
regards the perfect lady. Her hat is charac- 
teristic. Her gloves, her reticule, her um- 
brella — the later something rather : ' saucy '"-" 
are displayed around her. She is feeling 
comfortable and airing her views. Mrs. 
53 



54 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Chinn is laying the cloth over a portion of 
the table, with some tea-things. Mrs. Chinn 
is a narrow, thin-chested lady with thin hands 
and bony wrists. No one since her husband 
died has ever seen her without her bound. 
Its appearance suggests the possibility that 
she sleeps in it. It is black, like her dress. 
The whole figure is decent, but dingy.) 

Ginger 
"Wot I say about the question is 



Mrs. Chinn 
Do you mind moving your arm? 

Ginger 

Beg pardon. (She shifts.) Wot I say is, why 
not give us the vote and end all the talking? 

Mrs. Chinn 
You think it would have that effect? 

Ginger 

Well! we don't want to go on being a nuisance 
— longer than we can possibly 'elp ! 

Mrs. Chinn 

Daresay you're right. It's about the time most 
people stop. 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 55 

Ginger 

You've never thought much about the question 
yourself, 'ave you, Mrs. Chinn? 

Mrs. Chinn 

I ain't fretted much about it. 

Ginger 

Was a time when I didn't. I used to be all for 
— you know — larking about. I never thought much 
about anything. 

Mrs. Chinn 
Ah ! it 's a useful habit. 

Ginger 
What is? 

Mrs. Chinn 
Thinking. 

Ginger 

It's what we women 'aven't done enough of — in 
the past, I mean. All that's going to be altered. In 
the future there's going to be no difference between 
men and women. 

Mrs. Chinn 

(Slowly, quietly she turns upon Ginger her ex- 
pressionless eyes. ) 



56 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Ginger 
Mentally, I mean, o' course. 

Mrs. Chinn 

(Takes back her eyes.) 

Ginger 

Do you know, Mrs. Chinn, that once upon a time 
there was only one sex? (She spreads herself.) 
Hus! 

Mrs. Chinn 

You ain't thinking of going back to it, are you? 

Ginger 
Not if the men be'ave themselves. 

Mrs. Chinn 

Perhaps they're doing their best, poor things! It 
don't do to be too impatient with them. 

Ginger 

Was talking to old Dot-and-carry-one the other 
d'y. You know who I mean — chap with the wooden 
leg as 'as 'is pitch outside the "George." "Wot do 
you wimmen want worrying yourselves about things 
outside the We?" 'e says to me. "You've got the 
children," 'e says. "Oh," I says, "and whose 
fault's that, I'd like to know? You wait till we've 
got the vote," I says, "we'll soon show you " 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 57 

Sigsby enters. Sigsby is a dapper little man, 
very brisk and bustling — hirsute — looks as if 
he wanted dusting, cleaning tip generally.) 

Sigsby 

That young blackguard come back yet? 
Ginger 

(At sound of Sigsby 's voice she springs up. At 
first is about to offer excuses for being found seated, 
but recollects herself.) 

Mrs. Chinn 
Which one, sir? 

Sigsby 

Young Jawbones — what's he call himself ?— Gor- 
don. 

Mrs. Chinn 
Not yet, sir. 

Sigsby 

(Grunts.) My chop ready? 

Mrs. Chinn 
I expect it's about done. I'll see. 

(She goes out.) 



58 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

SlGSBY 

(He turns to Ginger.) What can I do for you? 

Ginger 

(She produces a letter.) I was to wait for an 
answer. 

Sigsby 

(He opens and reads it.) What do they expect 
me to do? 



Ginger 

'Er ladyship thought as perhaps you would con- 
sult Mr. Chilvers 'imself on the subject. 

Sigsby 

Look here. "What I want to know is this: am I 
being asked to regard Lady Mogton as my oppo- 
nent's election agent, or as my principal's mother- 
in-law? That point's got to be settled. (His vehe- 
mence deepens.) Look at all these posters. Not to 
be used for fear the other side mayn't like them. 
Now Lady Mogton writes me that my candidate's 
supporters are not to employ a certain argument she 
disapproves of: because, if they do, she'll tell his 
wife. Is this an election, or is it a family jar? 

(Jawbones enters. Jawbones — otherwise "Wil- 
liam Gordon — is a clean-shaven young hooli- 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 59 

gan. He ivears a bicycle cap on the lack of 
his head, allowing a picturesque tuft of hair 
to fall over his forehead. Evidently he is 
suffering from controlled indignation.) 

Sigsby 

(Seeing him.) Oh, so you've come back, have 
you? 

Jawbones 

I 'ave, wot's left of me. 

Sigsby 

What have you been doing? 

Jawbones 

Clinging to a roof for the last three hours. 

Sigsby 

Clinging to a roof! What for? 

Jawbones 

(He boils over.) Wot for? 'Cos I didn't want 
to fall off! Wot do you think: 'cos I was fond 
of it? 

Sigsby 

I don't understand 



Jawbones 

You find yourself 'alf way up a ladder, posting 



60 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

bills as the other side 'as took objection to — with a 
crowd of girls from Pink's jam factory waiting for 
yon at the bottom with a barrel of treacle, and you 
will understand. Nothing else for me to do, o' 
course, but to go up. Then they took the ladder 
away. 

SlGSBY 

Where are the bills? 



Jawbones 

Last I see of them was their being put into a 
'earse on its way to Ilford Cemetery. 

Sigsby 

This has got to be seen into. This sort of thing 
can't be allowed to go on. (He snatch ex up his 
hat.) 

Jawbones 

There's another suggestion I'd like to make. 

Sigsby 
(Pauses.) 

Jawbones 

That is, if this election is going to be fought fairly, 
that our side should be provided with 'atpins. 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 61 

SlGSBY 

(Grunts.) Tell Mrs. Chinn to keep that chop 
warm. (He goes out.) 

Ginger 

(She begins to giggle. It grows into a shrill hee- 
haw. ) 

Jawbones 

(He looks at her fixedly.) 

Ginger 

(Her laugh under the stern eye of Jawbones, 
dies away.) 

Jawbones 

Ain't no crowd of you 'ere, you know. Nothing 
but my inborn chivalry to prevent my pulling your 
nose. 

Ginger 

(Cowed, but simmering.) Chivalry! (A shrill 
snort.) 

Jawbones 

Yus. And don't you put a strain upon it neither. 
Because I tell you straight, it 's weakening. 

Ginger 

(His sudden fierceness has completely cowed her.) 



62 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Jawbones 

You wimmin 



{There re-enters Mrs. Chinn with a tray. He is 
between them.) 

That's old Sigsby's chop? 

Mrs. Chinn 

Yes. He hasn't gone out again, has he? 

Jawbones 

I'll 'ave it. Get 'im another. Guess 'e won't be 
back for 'alf an hour. 

Mrs. Chinn 

He's nasty when his food ain't ready. 

Jawbones 

(He takes the tray from her.) Not your fault. 
Tell 'im I took it from you by brute force. 

Mrs. Chinn 

(She acquiesces with her usual even absence of all 
emotion.) 

Jawbones 

You needn't stop. Miss Rose Merton will do the 
waiting. 

Ginger 

(Starts, then begins to collect her etceteras.) 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 63 

Mrs. Chinn 

Perhaps there'll be time to cook him another. 

(She goes out.) 

Jawbones 

Take off that cover. 

Ginger 

( She starts on a oolt for the door. ) 

Jawbones 

(He is quite prepared. In an instant he is in 
front of her.) No, yer don't. 

(A pause.) 
Take off that cover. 

Ginger 

(She still hesitates.) 

Jawbones 

If yer don't do what I tell yer, I'll 'ide yer. 
I'm in the mood. 

Ginger 

(She takes off the cover.) 

Jawbones 

(He seats himself and falls to.) Now pour me 
out a cup of tea. 



64 THE MASTER OP MRS. CHILVERS 

Ginger 

(Is pouring it out.) 

Jawbones 

Know why yer doing it? 

Ginger 

(With shrill indignation.) Yus. Becos yer got 
me 'ere alone, yer beast, with only that cracked 
image of a Mrs. Chirm 

Jawbones 
That'll do. 

Ginger 

(It is sujjicii ill . She stops.) 

Jawbones 

None of yer insults agen a lady as I 'olds in 'igh 
respect. The rest of it is all right. Becos I've got 
yer 'ere alone. You wimmin, you think it's going 
to pay you to chuck law and order. You're out for 
a fight, are yer? 

Ginger 

Yus, and we're going to win. Brute force 'as 'ad 
its d'y. It's brains wot are going to rule the wrold. 
Ami we've got 'em. 

(She has become quite oratorical.) 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 65 

JAWBONES 

Grlad to 'ear it. Take my tip: you'll use 'em. 
Meanwhile I'll 'ave another cup o' tea. 

Ginger 

(She takes the cup — is making for the window.) 

Jawbones 

(Fierce again.) I said tea. 

Ginger 

All right, I was only going to throw the slops out 
of window. There ain't no basin. 

Jawbones 

I'll tell yer when I want yer to open the window 
and call for the p'lice. You can throw 'em into the 
waste-paper basket. 

Ginger 

(She obeys.) 

Jawbones 

Thank you. Very much obliged. One of these 
d'ys, maybe, you'll marry. 

Ginger 
When I do, it'll be a man, not a monkey. 

Jawbones 

I'm not proposing. I'm talking to you for your 
good. 



66 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Ginger 
(Snorts.) 

Jawbones 

You've been listening to a lot of toffs. Easy 
enough for them to talk about wimmen not being 
domestic drudges. They keep a cook to do it. They 
don't pity 'er for being a down-trodden slive, spend- 
ing sixteen hours a d'y in their kitchen with an 
evening out ODce a week. When you marry it will 
be to a bloke like me, a working man . . . 

Ginger 

Working! (She follows it with a shrill laugh.) 
Jawbones 

Yus. There's always a class as laughs when you 
mention the word "work." Them as knows wot it 
is, don't. I've been at it since six o'clock this morn- 
ing, carrying a ladder, a can of paste weighing 
twenty pounds, and two 'undred double royal 
posters. You try it! When 'e comes 'ome, 'e'll 
want 'is victuals. If you've got 'em ready for 'im 
and are looking nice — no reason why you shouldn't 
— and feeling amiable, you'll get on very well to- 
gether. If you are going to argue with 'im about 
woman's sphere, you'll get the worst of it. 

Ginger 
You always was a bully. 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 67 

Jawbones 

Not always. Remember last Bank 'oliday? (He 
winks.) 

Ginger 

(She tries not to give in.) 

Jawbones 

'Ave a cup of tea. (He pours it out for her.) 

Ginger 

(The natural woman steals in — she sits.) 

Jawbones 

'Ow are they doing you, fairly well? 

Ginger 
Oh ! Well, nothing to grumble at. 

Jawbones 

You can do a bit o' dressing on it. 

Ginger 

(She meets his admiring eye. The suffragette de- 
parts.) Dressing don't cost much — when you've got 
tyste. 

Jawbones 

Wot! Not that 'at? 

Ginger 
Made it myself. 



68 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Jawbones 
No! 



Ginger 

Honour bright ! Tell yer- 



( Geoffrey and St. Herbert enter. Jawbones 
and Ginger make to rise. Ginger succeeds.) 

Geoffrey 

All right, all right. Don't let me disturb the 
party. Where's Mr. Sigsby? 

Jawbones 

Gone to look up the police, I think, sir. (Having 
finished, he rises.) Some of those factory girls been 
up to their larks again. 

Geoffrey 

Qmph! What's it about this time? 

Jawbones 

They've took objection to one of our posters. 

Geoffrey 

What another! (To St. Herbert.) Woman has 
disappointed me as a fighter. She's wiling enough 
to strike. If you hit back, she's surprised and 
grieved. 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 69 

St. Herbert 

She's come to the game rather late. 

Geoffrey 

She might have learned the rules. ( To Jawbones. ) 
Which particular one is it that has failed to meet 
with their approval? 

Jawbones 

It's rather a good one, sir, from our point of 
view: "Why she left her 'appy 'ome." 

Geoffrey 
I don't seem to remember it. Have I seen it? 

Jawbones 

I don't think you 'ave, sir. It was Mr. Sigsby's 
idea. On the left the ruined 'ome, baby crying it's 
little 'eart out — eldest child lying on the floor, scalded 
< — upset the tea-kettle over itself — youngest boy in 
flames — been playing with matches, nobody there to 
stop 'im. At the open door the father, returning 
from work. Nothing ready for 'im. On the other 
side — 'er, on a tub, spouting politics. 

Geoffrey 

(To St. Herbert.) Sounds rather good. 

Jawbones 

Wait a minute. There was a copy somewhere about 



70 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

— a proof. (He is searching for it on the desk — finds 
it.) Yus, 'ere 'tis. (To Ginger.) Catch 'old. 

(Jawbones and Ginger hold it displayed.) 
That's the one, sir. 

St. Herbert 

Why is the working man, for pictorial purposes, 
always a carpenter? 

Ginger 
It's the skirt we object to. 

Geoffrey 
The skirt ! What 's wrong with the skirt ? 

Ginger 

"Well, it's only been out of fashion for the last 
three years, that's all. 



Geoffrey 

Oh! I see. (To St. Herbert.) We've been 
hitting them below the belt. What do you think I 
ought to do about it? 

St. Herbert 

What would you have thought yourself, three 
weeks ago? 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 71 

Geoffrey 

You and I have been friends ever since we were 
boys. You rather like me, don't you? 

St. Herbert 
(Puzzled.) Yes. 

Geoffrey 

If I were to suddenly hit you on the nose, what 
would happen? 

St. Herbert 

I understand. "Woman has suddenly started bit- 
ing man on the nose. Her excuse being that she 
really couldn't keep her hands off him any longer. 

Jawbones 

(He has pinned the poster to the wall.) They 
begun it. To 'ear them talk, you'd think as man 
had never done anything right. 

Geoffrey 

He's quite right. Their posters are on every 
hoarding: "Who's made all the Muddles? Man!" 
"Men's Promises! Why it's all Froth!" Woman 
this Time ! " I suppose it will have to go. 

Jawbones 

(Hopefully.) Up, sir? 



72 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Geoffrey 
No, Jawbones. Into the dust-heap with the rest. 
(Jawbones is disgusted. Ginger is trium- 
phant.) 

Geoffrey 

I must talk to Sigsby. He's taking the whole 
thing too seriously. It will be some time before we 
reach that stage. (To Jawbones.) Ask Mrs. Chinn 
to bring me a cup of tea. 

(Jawbones goes out.) 

(He seats himself at table and takes up some cor- 
respondence. (To Ginger.) Are you waiting for 
any one? 

Ginger 

A letter from her ladyship. (She picks up from 
the desk and hands him (In letter Sigsby had thrown 
there.) Her ladyship thought you ought to be con- 
sulted. 

Geoffrey 

(He reads the short letter with a gathering frown 
— hands it across to St. Herbert.) 

St. Herbert 

(Having read, he passes it back in silence.) 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 73 

Geoffrey 

(To Ginger.) Do you know the contents of this 
letter? 

Ginger 

The matter has been discussed among us — in- 
formally. 

Geoffrey 

Tell Lady Mogton I'll — talk to her myself on the 
subject. 

Ginger 

Thank you. (She collects her etceteras.) Good 
afternoon. 

Geoffrey 

(Shortly.) Good afternoon. 

Ginger 

(She hows graciously to St. Herbert, who responds. 
Goes out.) 

Geoffrey 
The devil of it is that it's the truth. 

St. Herbert 

Somebody was bound to say it, sooner or later! 

Geoffrey 

Yes, but one 's own wife ! This is a confoundedly 
awkward situation. 



74 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 
St. Herbert 

(He comes to him, stands looking down at him.) 

Did it ever occur to you, when you were advocating 
equal political rights for women, that awkward situa- 
tions might arise? 

Geoffrey 

(He leans back in liis chair.) Do you remember 
Tommy the Terrier, as they used to call him in 
the House, was always preaching Socialism .' 

St. Herbert 

Quito the most amusing man I ever met! 

Geoffrey 

And not afraid of being honest. Do you remember 
his answer when somebody asked him whal he would 
do if Socialism, by any chance, really became es- 
tablished in England? He had just married an 
American heiress. He said he should emigrate. I 
am still convinced that woman is entitled to equal 
political rights with man. I didn't think it was 
coming in my time. There are points in the problem 
remaining to be settled before we can arrive at a 
working solution. This is one of them. (He takes 
up lh< h II, r and raids.) "Are you prepared to have 
as your representative a person who for six months 
out of every year may be incapacitated from serving 
you?" It's easy enough to say I oughtn't to allow 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 75 

my supporters to drag in the personal element. I 
like it even less myself. But what's the answer? 

(Jawbones enters with a tray.) 

Jawbones 

(Places tray on table.) Tea's coming in a minute, 
sir. (He is clearing away.) 

Geoffrey 

Never mind all that. (He hands him a slip.) 
Take this to the printers. Tell them I must have 
a proof to-night. 

Jawbones 

Yes, sir. (Finds his cap and goes out.) 

St. Herbert 

The answer, I should say, would be that the ma- 
jority of women will continue to find something better 
to do. The women who throw themselves into poli- 
tics will be the unattached women, the childless wo- 
men. (In an instant he see his mistake, but it is 
too late.) 

Geoffrey 

(He rises, crosses to the desk, throws into a waste- 
paper-basket a piece of crumpled paper that was in 
his hand; then turns. The personal note has entered 
into the discussion.) The women who want to be 
childless — what about them? 



76 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

St. Herbert 

(He shrugs his shoulders.) Are there any such? 

Geoffrey 

There are women who talk openly of woman's 
share in the general scheme being a "burden" on 
her — an "incubus." 

St. Herbert 

A handful of cranks. To the normal woman 
motherhood has always been the one supreme desire. 

Geoffrey 

Because children crowned her with honour. The 
barren woman was despised. All that is changing. 
This movement is adding impulse to it. 

St. Herbert 
Movements do not alter instincts. 

Geoffrey 

But they do. Ever since man emerged from the 
jungle he has been shedding his instincts — shaping 
them to new desires. Where do you find this all- 
prevailing instinct towards maternity? Among the 
women of society, who sacrifice it without a moment's 
hesitation to their vanity — to their mere pleasures? 
The middle-class woman — she too, is demanding 
"freedom." Children, servants, the home! — they are 






THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 77 

too much for her ''nerves." And now there comes 
this new development, appealing to the intellectual 
woman. Is there not danger of her preferring polit- 
ical ambition, the excitement of public life, to what 
has come to be regarded as the "drudgery" of turn- 
ing four walls into a home, of peopling the silence 
with the voices of the children? {He crosses to the 
table— lays Iris hand again on the open letter.) How 

do you know that this may not be her answer "I 

have no children. I never mean to have children"? 

(Sigsby enters in company with Ben Lamb, 
M.P. Lamb is a short, thick-set, good-tem- 
pered man.) 

Ah, Lamb, how are you? 

Lamb 

(They greet one another.) How are things going? 

Sigsby 

They're not going at all well. 

Geoffrey 
Sigsby was ever the child of despondency. 

Sigsby 

Yes, and so will you be when you find yourself at 
the bottom of the poll. 



78 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Geoffrey 

(The notion lakes him by surprise.) 

Lamb 

It's going to be a closer affair than any of us 
thought. It's the joke of the thing that appears to 
have got hold of them. They want to see what will 
happen. 

Geoffrey 

Man's fatal curiosity concerning the eternal 
feminine ! 

Sigsby 

Yes, and they won't have to pay for it. That will 
be our department. 

St. Herbert 

(To Sigsby.) What do you think they'll do, sup- 
posing by any chance Mrs. Chilvers should head the 
poll? 

Sigsby 

How do you mean — "what 11 they do"? 

St. Herbert 

Do you think they'll claim the seat? 

Sigsby 

Claim the seat! What do you think they're out 
for — their health? Get another six months' adver- 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 79 

tisement, if they don't get anything else. Mean- 
while what's our position — just at the beginning of 
our ministerial career? 

Geoffrey 
They will not claim the seat. 

Sigsby 
How do you know? 

Geoffrey 
I know my wife. 

Lamb 

(After a moment's silence.) Quite sure you do? 

(Geoffrey turns.) 

Lamb 

Ever seen a sheep fighting mad ? I have. Damned 
sight worse than the old ram. 

Geoffrey 
She doesn't fight the ram. 

Lamb 

(He makes a sweeping movement that takes in 
the room, the election — all things.) What's all 
this? We thought woman hadn't got the fighting 
instinct — that we "knew her." My boy, we're in 
the infants' class. 



80 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

SlGSBY 

If you want to be his Majesty's Under-Secretary 
for Home Affairs, you take my tip, guv 'nor, you'll 
win this election. 

Geoffrey 

What more can I do than I'm doing? How can 
I countenance this sort of thing? (He indicates the 
posters.) Declare myself dead against the whole 
movement ? 

Lamb 

You'll do it later. May as well do it soon. 

Geoffrey 
Why must I do it ? 

Lamb 

Because you're beginning to find out what it 
means. 

(A pause. The door is open. Annys is stand- 
ing there.) 

Annys 

Dare we venture into the enemy's camp? 

(She enters, laughing, followed by Elizabeth 
and Phoebe. Annys is somewhat changed 
ifrom the grave, dreamy Annys of a short 
week ago. She is brimming over ivith vitality 
— excitement. There is a decisiveness, an 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 81 

egoism, about her that seems new to her. 
The women's skirts make a flutter. A breeze 
seems to have entered. Annys runs to her 
husband. For the moment the election fades 
away. They are all smiles tenderness for one 
another.) 

Annys 

Don 't tell, will you ? Mamma would be so shocked. 
Do you know you haven't been near me for three 
days? 

Geoffrey 
Umph! I like that. Where were you last night? 

Annys 

Last night? In the neighbourhood of Leicester 
Square till three o'clock. Oh, Geoff, there's such 
a lot wants altering ! 

(She turns to greet the others.) 

Geoffrey 

Your ruining your health won't do it. You're 
looking fagged to death. 

Annys 

(She shakes hands with Sigsby.) How are you? 
(To Lamb.) I'm so glad you're helping him. (She 
turns again to Geoffrey.) Pure imagination, dear- 
est. I never felt better in my life. 



82 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Geoffrey 

Umph! Look at all those lines underneath your 
eyes. (He shakes hands with Elizabeth.) How 
do you do? (To Phoebe.) How are you? 

Annys 

(She comes back to him — makes to smooth the lines 
from his forehead.) Look at all those, there. We'll 
run away together for a holiday, when it's all over. 
"What are you doing this evening? 

Sigsby 

You promised to speak at a Smoker to-night ; the 
Bow and Bromley Buffaloes. 

Annys 

Oh, bother the Buffaloes. Take me out to dinner. 
I am free after seven. 

(Mrs. Ciiinn has entered — is arranging the table 

for tea. Annys goes to her.) 

How are you, Mrs. Chinn? 

Mrs. Ciiinn 

(SJk wipes h<r hand on her apron before taking 
Annys 's proffered hand.) 

Geoffrey 

(To Sigsby.) I can turn up there later in the 
evening. (He joins tin others for a moment — talks 
with them.) 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 83 

Mrs. Chinn 

(Now shaking hands.) Quite well, thank you, 
ma'am. (She has cast a keen motherly glance at 
Annys.) I hope you're taking care of yourself, 
ma 'am. 

Annys 

Of course I am. "We Politicians owe it to our 
Party. (Laughs.) How are they getting on here, 
without me? 

Mrs. Chinn 

Well, ma'am, from what I can see, I think Mr. 
Chilvers is trusting a little too much to his merits. 
Shall I bring some more cups and saucers, sir? 

Geoffrey 
Ah, yes! (To Annys.) You'll have some tea? 

Annys 

Strong, please, Mrs. Chinn. 

(Mrs. Chinn goes out.) 

(Laughs.) Yes, I know it's bad for me. (She puts 
a hand over his mouth.) 

Phoebe 

Old Mother Chinn is quite right, you know, Geoff. 
You're not putting up a good fight. 



84 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Geoffrey 

(A slight irritability begins to show itself.) I 
frankly confess that I am not used to fighting women. 

Elizabeth 

Yes. It was easier no doubt, when we took it 
lying down. 

Annts 

You promised, if I brought you, that you would 
be good. 

Geoffrey 

I wish it had been you. 

Phoebe 

Yes, but we don 't ! 

(As she and Elizabeth move away.) 

Did you have a row with the doctor when you were 
born? 

(To which Elizabeth replies, though the words 
reach only Phoebe : "1 might have, if I 
had known that my mother was doing all the 
work, while he was -pocketing the fee!") 

Lamb 

You see, Mrs. Chilvers, our difficulty is that there 
is nothing to be said against you — except one thing. 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 85 

Annts 

What's that? 

Lamb 

That you're a woman. 

Annys 

(Smiling.) Isn't that enough? 

Sigsby 

Quite enough, Mrs. Chilvers, if the guv 'nor would 
only say it. 

Annys 

(To Geoffrey.) Why don't you? I'll promise 
not to deny it. 

(The others drift apart. TJiey group them- 
selves near to the window. They talk to- 
gether — grow evidently interested and ex- 
cited. ) 

Geoffrey 

I have just had a letter from your — Election 
Agent, expressing indignation with one of my sup- 
porters for merely having hinted at the fact. 

Annys 

I don't understand. 

Geoffrey 

(He takes from the table the letter and hands it 
to her in silence. He seats himself on the settee and 
watches her.) 



86 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Annys 

{She seats herself on a chair just opposite to him; 
reads the letter through in silence.) In my case it 
does not apply. 

Geoffrey 
How do you know? 

Annys 

{The atmosphere has grown suddenly oppressive.) 
Oh, I — I think we might find some other reason than 
that. {She hands him back the letter.) 

Geoffrey 

It's the only one of any importance. It embraces 
all the others. Small women be mother — or politi- 
cian? {He puts the letter in his pocket.) 

Annys 

Why cannot she be both ? 

Geoffrey 

{He is looking at her searchingly.) Because if 
she is the one, she doesn 't want to be the other. 

{A silence.) 

Annys 

You are wrong. It is the mother instinct that 
makes us politicians. We want to take care of the 
world. 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 87 

Geoffrey 

Exactly. You think man's job more interesting 
than your own. 

Annys 

(After a moment.) "Who told you that it was a 
man's job? 

Geoffrey 

"Well. (Re shrugs his shoulders.) "We can't do 
yours. 

Annys 

Can't we help each other? 

Geoffrey 

As, for instance, in this election! (He gives a 
short laugh.) 

Annys 

Of course, this is an exceptional case. 

Geoffrey 

It's an epitome of the whole question. You are 
trying to take my job away from me. To the neglect 
of your own. 

Annys 

(After another moment's silence.) Haven't I 
always tried to do my duty?. 



88 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS * 

Geoffrey 

I have thought so. 

Annys 

Oh, my dear, we mustn't quarrel. You will win 
this election. I want you to win it. Next time we 
must fight side by side again. 

Geoffrey 

Don't you see? Fighting you means fighting the 
whole movement. (He indicates the posters pinned 
to the walls.) That sort of thing. 

Annys 

(After a brief inspection.) Not that way. (Shak- 
ing her head.) It would break my heart for you 
to turn against us. Win because you are the better 
man. (Smiling.) I want you to be the better man. 

Geoffrey 
I would rather be your husband. 

Annys 

(Smiling.) Isn't that the same thing? 

Geoffrey 
No. I want a wife. 

Annys 

What precisely do you mean by "wife"? 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 89 

Geoffrey 

It's an old established word. 

(Mrs. Chinn has entered to complete the tea 
arrangements. She is arranging the table.) 

Mrs. Chinn 

There's a deputation downstairs, sir, just come for 
you. 

Geoffrey 
What are they? 

Mrs. Chinn 

It's one of those societies for the reform of some- 
thing. They said you were expecting them. 

Sigsby 

(Breaking away from the group by the window.) 

Quite right. (Looks at his watch.) Five o'clock, 
I'll bring them up. 

Geoffrey 
Happen to know what it is they want to reform? 

Sigsby 

(By door.) Laws relating to the physical re- 
lationship between the sexes, I think. 

Geoffrey 
Oh, only that! 



90 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

SlGSBY 

Something of the sort. 

(He goes out. Mrs. Chinn also by the other 
door. ) 

Geoffrey 

(Rising.) "Will you pour out? 

Annys 

(She has been thinking. She comes bach to the 
present.) We shan't be in your way .' 

Geoffrey 
Oh, no. It will make it easier to get rid of them. 

(Annys changes her (hair. Tin others gather 
round. Tin service and drinking of tea pro- 
ceeds in the usual course.) 

(To Elizabeth.) You'll take some tea? 

Elizabeth 
Thank you. 

Geoffrey 
You must be enjoying yourself just now. 

Elizabeth 

(Makes a moue.) They insist on my being agree- 
able. 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 91 

Annys 

It's so good for her. Teaches her self control. 
Lamb 

I gather from Mrs. Spender, that in the perfect 
world there will be no men at all. 

Elizabeth 

Oh, yes, they will be there. But in their proper 
places. 

St. Herbert 

That's why you didn't notice them. 

(The Deputation reaches the door. The sound 
of voices is heard.) 

Phoebe 

She's getting on very well. If she isn't careful, 
she'll end up by being a flirt. 

(The Deputation enters, guided by Sigsby. Its 
number is five, two men and three women. 
Eventually they group themselves — some 
standing, some sitting— each side of Geof- 
frey. The others gather round Annys, who 
laps her seat at the opposite side of the 
table.) 

Sigsby 

{Talking as he enters.) Exactly what I have al- 
ways maintained. 



92 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Hopper 

It would make the husband quite an interesting 
person. 

Sigsby 

(Cheerfully.) That's the idea. Here we are, 
guv 'nor. This is Mr. Chilvers. 

(Geoffrey botes, the Deputation also. Sigsby 
introduces a remarkably boyish looking man, 
dressed in knickerbockers.) 

Sigsby 

This is Mr. Peekin, who has kindly consented to 
act as spokesman. (To the Deputation, generally.) 
Will you have some tea? 

Miss Borlasse 

(A thick-set, masculine-featured lady, with short 
hair and hairy eyebrows. Her deep, decisive tone 
settles the question.) Thank you we have so little 
time. 

Mr. Peekin 

We propose, Mr. Chilvers, to come to the point 
at once. (He is all smiles, caressing gestures.) 

Geoffrey 
Excellent. 

Peekin 

If I left a baby at your door, what would you do 
with it? 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 93 

Geoffrey 

(For a moment he is taken aback, recovers him- 
self.) Are you thinking of doing so? 

Peekin 

It's not impossible. 

Geoffrey 

Well, it sounds perhaps inhospitable, but do you 
know I really think I should ask you to take it away 
again. 

Peekin 

Yes, but by the time you find it there, I shall have 
disappeared — skedaddled. 

Hopper 

Good. (He rubs his hands. Smiles at the others.) 

Geoffrey 

In that case I warn you that I shall hand it over 
to the police. 

Peekin 

(He turns to the others.) I don't myself see 
what else Mr. Chilvers could be expected to do. 

Miss Borlasse 

He'd be a fool not to. 



94 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Geoffrey 

Thank you. So far we seem to be in agreement, 
And now may I ask to what all tins is leading? 

Peekin 

(He changes from the dcbonnaire to the dramatic.) 

How many men, Mr. Chilvers, leave their babies 
every year at the door of poverty-stricken women? 
"What are the y expected to do with them? 

(A moment. The Deputation murmur ap- 
proval.) 

Geoffrey 

I see. But is there no difference between the two 
doors? I am not an accomplice. 

Peekin 

An accomplice ! Is the ignorant servant-girl — 
first lured into the public-house, cajoled, tricked, de- 
ceived by false promises — the half starved shop-girl 
in the hands of the practised libertine — is she an 
accomplice ? 

Mrs. Peekin 

(A dowdily-dressed, untidy woman, but the face 
is sweet and tender.) Ah, Mr. Chilvers, if you could 
only hear the stories that I have heard from dying 
lips. 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 95 

Geoffrey 

Very pitful, my dear lady. And, alas, only too 
old. But there are others. It would not be fair 
to blame always the man. 

Annys 

(Unnoticed, drawn by the subject, she has risen 
and comes down.) Perhaps not. But the punish- 
ment always falls on the woman. Is that quite fair? 

Geoffrey 

(He is irritated at Annys 's incursion into the dis- 
cussion.) My dear Annys, that is Nature's law, not 
man's. All man can do is to mitigate it. 



Peekin 

That is all we ask. The suffering, the shame, must 
always be the woman's. Surely that is sufficient. 

Geoffrey 
"What do you propose? 

Miss Borlasse 

(In her deep, fierce tones.) That all children 
born out of wedlock should be a charge upon the 
rates. 

Miss Ricketts 

(A slight, fair, middle-aged woman, with a ner- 



96 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

vous hesitating manner.) Of course, only if the 
mother wishes it. 

Geoffrey 

{The proposal staggers him. But the next mo- 
ment it inspires lii»i with mingled anger and amuse- 
ment.) My dear, good people, have you stopped for 
one moment to consider what the result of your 
proposal would be? 

Peekin 

For one thins:, Mr. Chilvers, the adding to the 
populace of healthy children in. place of the stunted 
and diseased abortions that is all that these poor 
women, out of their scanty earnings, can afford to 
present to the State. 

Geoffrey 

Humph ! That incidentally it would undermine 
the whole institution of marriage, let loose the flood- 
gates that at present hold immorality in check, doesn't 
appear to trouble you. That the law must be al- 
tered to press less heavily upon the woman, that the 
man must be made an equal sharer in the penalty — 
all that goes without saying. The remedy you pro- 
pose would be a thousand times worse than the 
disease. 

Annys 

And meanwhile? Until you have devised this 
scheme {there is a note of contempt in her voice) 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 97 
under which escape for the man will be impossible? 

Geoffrey 

The evil must continue. As other evils have to 
until the true remedy is found. 

Peekin 

{He has hurriedly consulted with the others. All 
have risen — he turns to Geoffrey.) You will not 
support our demand? 

Geoffrey 

Support it! Do you mean that you cannot your- 
selves see that you are holdng out an indemnity to 
every profligate, male and female, throughout the 
land — that you would be handicapping, in the strug- 
gle for existence, every honest man and woman de- 
sirous of bringing up their children in honour and 
in love? Your suggestion is monstrous! 



Peekin 

{The little man is not without his dignity.) "We 
apologise, Mr. Chilvers, for having taken up your 
time. 



Geoffrey 

I am sorry the matter was one offering so little 
chance of agreement. 



98 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Peekin 

We will make only one slight further trespass 
on your kindness. Mrs. Chilvers, if one may judge, 
would seem to be more in sympathy with our views. 
Might we — it would be a saving of time and shoe 
leather (he smiles) — might we take this opportunity 
of laying our case before her? 

Geoffrey 
It would be useless. 

(A short silence. Annys, with Elizabeth and 
Phoebe a little behind her, stands right. 
Lamb, Sigsby, and St. Herbert are behind 
Geoffrey centre. The Deputation is left.) 

Hopper 

Do we gather that in this election you speak for 
both candidates? 

Geoffrey 

In matters of common decency, yes. My wife 
does not associate herself with movements for the 
encouragement of vice. 

(There is another moment's silence.) 

Annys 

But, Geoffrey dear — we should not be encourag- 
ing the evil. We should still seek to find the man, 
to punish him. The woman would still suffer 






THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 99 

Geoffrey 

My dear Annys, this is neither the time nor place 
for you and me to argue out the matter. I must 
ask you to trust to my judgment. 

Annys 

I can understand your refusing, but why do you 
object to my 

Geoffrey 

Because I do not choose for my wife's name to 
be linked with a movement that I regard as criminal. 
I forbid it. 

(It was the moment that was bound to come. 
The man's instincts, training, have involun- 
tarily asserted themselves. Shall the woman 
yield f If so, then down goes the whole 
movement — her claim to freedom of judg- 
ment, of action, in all things. All watch the 
struggle with breathless interest.) 

Annys 

(She speaks very slowly, very quietly, but with 
a new note in her voice.) I am sorry, but I have 
given much thought to this matter, and — I do not 
agree with you. 

Mrs. Peekin 

You will help us? 



100 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Annys 

I will do what I can. 

Peekin 

(He takes from his pocket a folded paper.) It 
is always so much more satisfactory when these 
things are in writing. Candidates, with the best 
intentions in the world, are apt to forget. (He has 
spread the paper on a corner of the table. He has 
in his hand his fountain-pen.) 

Annys 

(With a smile.) I am not likely to forget, but 
if you wish it (She approaches the table.) 

Geoffrey 

(He interposes. His voice is very low, almost a 
whisper.) My wife wall not sign. 

Annys 

(She also speaks low, but there is no yielding 
in her voice.) I am not only your wife. I have 
a duty also to others. 

Geoffrey 

It is for you to choose. (He leaves the way open 
to her.) 

(The silence can almost be felt. She moves to 
the table, takes up the paper. It contains 
but a few lines of writing. Having read it, 
she holds out her hand for the pen. Peekin 






THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 101 

puts it in her hand. With a firm hand she 
signs, folds the paper, and returns it to him. 
She remains standing by the table. With the 
removal of the tension there comes a rustle, 
a breaking of the silence.) 

Miss Ricketts 

(She seizes Annys hand, hanging listlessly by 
her side, and, stooping, kisses it.) 

Miss Borlasse 

That is all, isn't it? 

Peekin 

"We thank you, Mrs. Chilvers. Good afternoon. 

Annys 

(The natural reaction is asserting itself. She pulls 
herself together sufficiently to murmur her answer.) 
Good afternoon. 

Mrs. Peekin 

(The Deputation is moving away; she takes from 
her waist a small bunch of flowers, and, turning, 
places them in Annys 's hand.) 

Annys 

(She smiles, remains standing silent, the flowers 
in her hand.) 



102 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

{"Good afternoons" are exchanged with some 
of the others. Finally:) 



Peekin 

Good afternoon, Mr. Chilvers. 

Geoffrey 

(Who has moved away.) Good afternoon. 

(The Deputation joins Sigsby by the door. 
He leads them out.) 

Elizabeth 

(To Phoebe.) Are you going my way? 

Phoebe 

(She glances round at Annys.) Yes, I'll come 
with you. 

St. Herbert 

I will put you into a bus, if you will let me. We 
don't sport many cabs in East Poplar. (He is help- 
ing Elizabeth with her cloak.) 

Elizabeth 
Thank you. 

Lamb 

I've got to go up West. (To Geoffrey.) Will 
you be at the House this evening? 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 103 

Geoffrey 

(He is standing by the desk pretending to look 
at some papers.) I shall look in about ten o'clock. 

Lamb 

One or two things I want to say to you. Good- 
bye for the present. 

Geoffrey 
Goodbye ! 

Phoebe 

Goodbye, old man. (She stretches out her hand.) 

Geoffrey 

Goodbye. (She shakes hands with a smile, ex- 
changes a casual "goodbye" with Elizabeth.) 

(They go towards the door.) 
(Sigsby re-enters.) 

SlGSBY 

(To Lamb.) Are you going? 

Lamb 

Yes. I'll see you to-morrow morning. About ten 
o 'clock. 

Sigsby 

I shall be here. (He exchanges a "good after- 
noon" with the others.) 



104 THE MASTER OP MRS. CHILVERS 

{They go out. Sigsby crosses and goes into the 
other room.) 

Annys 

(She has let fall the floivers on the table. She 
crosses to where Geoffrey still stands by the desk, 
his back towards her. She stretches out her hand, 
touches him-. He does not move.) Geoffrey! 

(But still he takes no notice.) 

I am so sorry. We must talk it over quietly — at 
home. 

Geoffrey 

(He turns.) Home! I have no home. I have 
neither children nor Avife. I keep a political 
opponent. 

(Annys starts back with a cry. He crosses in 
front of her and seats himself at the table. 
The flowers are lying there; he throws them 
into the waste-paper basket.) 

Annys 

(She puts on her cloak, moves toivards the door. 
Half-way sh e pauses, makes a movement towards him. 
But he will not see. Then a hard look comes into 
her eyes, and without another word she goes out, 
leaving the door open.) 

(Sigsby is heard moving in the other room.) 



THE MASTER OP MRS. CHILVERS 105 

Geoffrey 

(He is writing.) Sigsby. 

Sigsby 
Hallo! 

Geoffrey 

That poster I told young Gordon I wouldn't 
sanction, "The "Woman spouting politics, the Man 
returning to a slattern's home." 

(Sigsby enters.) 

Sigsby 

I have countermanded them. 

Geoffrey 

Countermand them again. We shall want a 
thousand. 



Sigsby 

(Can hardly believe his ears.) 

Geoffrey 

(With a gesture round the room.) All of them. 
"A Man for Men!" "Save the Children!" 
"Guard your Homes!" All the damned collec- 
tion. Order as many as you want. 



106 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

SlGSBY 

(His excitement rising.) I can go ahead. You 
mean it? 

Geoffrey 

(He looks at him.) It's got to be a fight! (A 
moment. He returns to his writing.) Telephone 
Hake that I shall be dining at the Reform Club. 

Curtain. 



THE THIRD ACT 



THE THIRD ACT 

Scene : — A room in the Town Hall, Poplar. A high, 
bare, cold room, unfurnished except for cane- 
bottomed chairs ranged against the walls. French 
windows right give on to a balcony overlooking 
the street. Door in back opens upon a stone pas- 
sage. A larger door opens into another room, 
through which one passes to reach the room in 
which the counting of the votes is taking place. 
A fire burns — or rather tries to burn. The room 
is lighted from the centre of the ceiling by an 
electric sun. A row of hat-pegs is on the wall 
between the two doors. The time is about 9 p.m. 

{People entering from the street wear coats or 
cloaks, &c, the season being early spring. 
If passing through or staying in the room, 
they take off their outdoor things and hang 
them up, putting them on again before going 
out.) 

(Jawbones is coaxing the reluctant fire by using 
a newspaper as a blower. He curses stead- 
ily under his breath. The door opens. 
Ginger enters; she is dressed in cheap furs.) 
109 



110 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Jawbones 

Shut the door, can 't yer ! 

Ginger 
Don't yer want a draught? 

Jawbones 

No, I don't. Not any more than I've got. 

Ginger 

(She shuts the door.) 'Ave they begun counting 
the votes? 

Jawbones 

Been at it for the last three-quarters of an hour. 

Ginger 
Who 's going to win ? 

Jawbones 
One of 'em. 

(Lady Mogton has entered. She has come from 
the room where they are counting the votes.) 

Shut that door! (He glances over his shoulder, sees 
his mistake.) Beg pardon! (To himself '.) Thought 
'twas the other fool! 

Lady Mogton 

(She shuts the door. To Ginger.) Have you seen 
Mrs. Chilvers? 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 111 

Ginger 
Not since the afternoon, your ladyship. 

Lady Mogton 

She is coming, I suppose? 

Ginger 
I think so, your ladyship. 

Lady Mogton 

It's very cold in here, Gordon. 

Jawbones 
Yes, my lady. Not what I call a cosy room. 

Lady Mogton 

(To Ginger.) Jump into a cab. See if you can 
find her. Perhaps she has been detained at one of 
the committee-rooms. Tell her she ought to be here. 

Ginger 
Yes, your ladyship. (She crosses, opens door.) 

Jawbones 

Shut the door. 

Ginger 
Oh, shut 



(She finds herself face to face with a Messen- 
ger carrying a ballot-box.) 

I beg yer pardon! (She goes out, closes door.) 



112 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Lady Mogton 

{To the Messenger.) Is that the last? 

Messenger 

Generally is. Isle of Dogs! 

{He goes into the other room.) 

Lady Mogton 

{To Jawbones.) Do you know where Mr. Chilvers 
is? 

{There comes a bloodthirsty yell from- the crowd 

outside.) 

Jawbones 

Not unless that's 'im. {He finishes for the time 
being with the fire. Rises.) 

(Janet enters.) 

Lady Mogton 

"Was that you they were yelling at ? 

Janet 

No, it's Mr. Sigsby. 

{Another yell is heard. Out of it a shrill fe- 
male voice — "Mind 'is fice; yer spoiling it!") 

The Woman's Laundry Union have taken such a 
strong dislike to him. 

{A final yell. Then a voice: "That's taken 
some of the starch out of him!" followed by 
a shriek of laughter.) 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 113 

Jawbones 

'E only suggested as 'ow there was enough old 
washerwomen in Parliament as it was. 

Lady Mogton 

A most unnecessary remark. It will teach 
him 

(Sigsby enters, damaged. His appearance is 
comic. Lady Mogton makes no effort to 
repress a grim smile.) 

Sigsby 

Funny, ain't it? 

Lady Mogton 
I am sorry. 

Sigsby 

(He snarls.) "The Mother's Hand shall Help 
Us ! " One of your posters, I think. 

Lady Mogton 

You shouldn't have insulted them — calling them 
old washerwomen! 

Sigsby 

Insult! Can't one indulge in a harmless jeu 
d' esprit — '(lie pronounces it according to his own 
ideas) — without having one's clothes torn off one's 
back? (Fiercely.) What do you mean by it — dis- 
gracing your sex? 



114 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Lady Mogton 

Are you addressing me? 

Sigsby 

All of you. Upsetting the foundations upon which 
society has been reared — the natural and lawful sub- 
jection of the woman to the man. Why don't you 
read St. Paul? 

Lady Mogton 

St. Paul was addressing Christians. When men be- 
have like Christians there will be no need of Votes 
for Women. You read St. Paul on men. (To 
Janet.) I shall want you! 

(She goes out, followed by Janet.) 

(Sigsby gives vent to a gesture.) 

Jawbones 

Getting saucy, ain't they? 

Sigsby 

Over-indulgence. That's what the modern woman 
is suffering from. Gets an idea on Monday that 
she'd like the whole world altered; if it isn't done 
by Saturday, she raises hell! Where's the guv 'nor? 

Jawbones 

Hasn't been here. 

Sigsby 

(Hands Jawbones his damaged hat.) See if they 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 115 

can do anything to that. If not, get me a new one. 
(He forks out a sovereign.) Sure to be some shops 
open in High Street. 

(Lamb and St. Herbert enter.) 

Lamb 

Hallo ! have they been mauling you ? 

Sigsby 

(He snatches the damaged hat from Jawbones, 
to hand it back the next moment; holds it out.) 
Woman's contribution to politics. Get me a collar 
at the same time — sixteen and a half. 

(Jawbones takes his cap and goes out. The 
men hang up their overcoats.) 

Sigsby 

Where's it all going to end? That's what I want 
to know! 

St. Herbert 

Where most things end. In the millennium, ac- 
cording to its advocates. In the ruin of the country, 
according to its opponents. In mild surprise on the 
part of the next generation that ever there was any 
fuss about it. 

Sigsby 

In amazement, you mean, that their fathers were 
so blind as not to see where it was leading. My 
boy, this is going to alter the whole relationship 
between the sexes! 



116 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

St. Herbert 

Is it so perfect as it is? (A silence.) Might it 
not be established on a more workable, a more en- 
during basis if woman were allowed a share in the 
shaping of it? 

(Some woman in the crowd starts the refrain, 
''We'll hang old Asquith on a sour apple 
tree." It is taken up with quiet earnestness 
by others.) 

Sigsby 

Shaping it! Nice sort of shape it will be by the 
time that lot {with a gesture, including the crowd, 
Lady Mogton & Co.) have done knocking it about. 
Wouldn't be any next generation to be surprised at 
anything if some of them had their way. 

St. Herbert 

The house breakers come first — not a class of work 
demanding much intelligence; the builders come 
later. Have you seen Chilvers? 

Lamb 

I left him at the House. He couldn't get away. 

Sigsby 

There's your object-lesson for you. We don't 
need to go far. A man's whole career ruined by 
the wife he nourishes. 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 117 

St. Herbert 

How do you mean, "ruined"? 

Sigsby 

So it is. If she wins the election and claims the 
seat. Do you think the Cabinet will want him? 
Their latest addition compelled to appeal to the 
House of Commons to fight for him against his own 
womenfolk. (Grunts.) He'll be the laughing-stock 
of the whole country. 

St. Herbert 

Do you know for certain that they mean to claim 
the seat? 

Sigsby 
"Wait and see" is their answer. 

Lamb 

Hasn't Chilvers any idea? 

Sigsby 

Can't get him to talk. Don't think he's seen her 
since that shindy over the Deputation. 

Lamb 
Humph ! 

Sigsby 

Even if she herself wished to draw back, the 
others would overrule her. 

Lamb 

I'm not so sure of that. She's got a way of shut- 



118 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

ting her mouth that reminds me of my old woman. 

Sigsby 

The arrangement, as he explained it to me, was 
that the whole thing was to end with the polling. 
It was to have been a mere joke, a mere ballon d'essai. 
The mistake he made was thinking he could de- 
pend on her. 

Lamb 

Guess she made the same mistake. You can fight 
and shake hands afterwards; it doesn't go with 
kissing. 

Sigsby 

Man and woman were not made to fight. It was 
never intended. 

(The woman's Marseillaise" has been taken up 
by the crowd. The chorus has been reached.) 

Oh, damn your row! (He slams to the window; it 
was ajar.) 

(Jawbones has entered, with his purchases.) 
[Turning from the window he sees Jawbones, goes 
to meet him.) Couldn't they do anything? 

Jawbones 

(He has bought a new hat; has also brought back 
the remains. He shakes Iris head.) No good for 
anything else but a memento. 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 119 

SlGSBY 

(With a grunt he snatches the thing and flings it 
into a corner. Tries on the new one.) 

Jawbones 

'Ow's it feel? 

(Sigsby, with the help of Jawbones, attends to 
his appearance.) 

Lamb 

(To St. Herbert.) No use talking to her, I 
suppose ? 

St. Herbert 

(Shrugs his shoulders.) She'll do what she im- 
agines to be her duty. Women are so uncivilised. 

(A burst of cheering is heard. A shrill male 
voice: "Three cheers for Winston Church- 
ill!" It is followed by an explosion of yells.) 

St. Herbert 
Who's that? 

Lamb 

(He has opened the window.) Phoebe Mogton! 

Sigsby 
What a family! 

(Janet has entered.) 



120 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Janet 

Is that Mrs Chilvers? (To Lamb and St. Her- 
bert.) Good evening. 

St. Herbert 
Good evening. 

Lamb 

No; it's her sister. 

Janet 

I wonder she doesn't come. 

Sigsby 
What are the latest figures ? Do you know .' 

(Phoebe enters) 

Janet 

I forget the numbers. Mrs. Chilvers is forty ahead. 

Phoebe 

Forty ahead! (To Janet.) Did you order the 
band? 

Lamb 

(To Sigsby.) The dock division was against him 
to a man ; that Shipping Bill has upset them. 

Janet 

No. I didn't think we should want the band. 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 121 

Phoebe 

Not want it ! My dear girl 



Janet 

Perhaps Lady Mogton has ordered it, I'll ask her. 

(She goes out.) 

Sigsby 

Hadn't you better "Wait and see"? It isn't over 
yet. 

Phoebe 

We may as well have it ! It can play the Dead 
March in Saul if you win. (She laughs.) 

Sigsby 

(Grunts. To Lamb.) Are you coming? 

(He goes out.) 

Lamb 

Yes. (To St. Herbert.) Are you coming? 

St. Herbert 

Hardly worth while; nearly over, isn't it? 

Lamb 

It generally takes an hour and a half. (He looks 
at his watch.) Another forty minutes. Perhaps less. 

(He goes out.) 

Phoebe 

I do love to make him ratty. Wish it wasn't poor 
old Geoff we were fighting. 



122 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

St. Herbert 

When I marry, it will be the womanly woman. 

Phoebe 

No chance for me then? 

St. Herbert 

I don't say that. I can see you taking your po- 
litical opinions from your husband, and thinking 
them your own. 

Phoebe 

Good heavens! 

St. Herbert 

The brainy woman will think for herself. And 
then I foresee some lively breakfast tables. 

Phoebe 

Humph ! No fear, I suppose, of a man taking his 
views from his wife and thinking them his own? 

St. Herbert 

That may be the solution. The brainy woman will 
have to marry the manly man. 

(Ginger enters.) 

Jawbones 

(He is on his knees blowing the fire. In a low 
growl.) Shut the door! 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 123 

Ginger 

Can't till I'm inside, can I? (Shuts it.) Where's 
Lady Mogton? 

Jawbones 
I don't know. 

Phoebe 

AVhat do you want her for? 

Ginger 
Only to tell her that I can't find Mrs. Chilvers. 

Phoebe 

Isn't she here? 

Ginger 
Not unless she's come while I've been out. 

(Janet enters.) 

Janet 

Oh, Lady Mogton 

Phoebe 

(Interrupting her.) Isn't Annys here? 

Janet 

No. (To Ginger.) Haven't you found her? 

Ginger 

(Shakes her head.) Been everywhere I could 
think of. 



124 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Phoebe 

(To herself.) She couldn't have gone home? Is 
there a telephone here? 

Janet 

The room's locked up. 

Jawbones 

There's one at 118, High Street. Shall I go, miss? 

Phoebe 

No, thanks. I'll go myself. Oh, what about the 
band? 

Janet 

Lady Mogton says she'd like it. If it isn't too 
tired. 

Ginger 

It's at Sell's Coffee- 'ouse in Piggott Street. I 
'eard them practicing. 

Phoebe 

Good. I shan't be more than a few minutes. 

St. Herbert 

I'll come with you, if I may? I've got some news 
that may be of use to you. 
Phoebe 

Do. (To Ginger.) Stop here, I may want you. 
(Phoebe and St. Herbert go out.) 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 125 

Janet 

How was Mrs. Chilvers seeming this afternoon? 

Ginger 
Never 'eard 'er speak better, miss. 

Janet 

Did yon stop to the end? 

Ginger 

Not quite. Mrs. Spender wanted some shopping 
done. 

(Janet goes out.) 

Ginger 
Can I 'elp yer? 

Jawbones 

Yer might hold the piper while I blow. 



{The fire begins to burn.) 



Ginger 
It's getting brighter. 

Jawbones 

That's caught it. 

Ginger 
Wonder what a little coaxing will do. 

Jawbones 

(He is still squatting on his heels, folding up the 



126 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

paper. He looks up.) Ain't yer ever thought of 
that, instead of worrying about the vote ? 

Ginger 

(She moves away.) You don't understand us 
winmiin. 

Jawbones 

(He has risen. He pauses in his folding of the 
paper.) Don't say that. 

Ginger 
Why should we coax yer — for our rights? 

Jawbones 

Because it's the easiest way of getting 'em. 

Ginger 

(She has become oratorical.) Our appeal is not 
to man (with upraised hand) but to Justice! 

Jawbones 

Oh ! And what does the lidy say ? 

Ginger 

(Descending.) 'Ow do yer mean? 

Jawbones 

To your appeal. Is she goin' to give 'em to yer? 
You tike my tip: if yer in a 'urry, you get a bit 
on account — from Man. 'Ere. (He dives into his 
pocket, produces, wrapped up in tissue paper, a ring, 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 127 

which he exhibits to her.) That's a bit more in your 
line. 

Ginger 

(Her eyes sparkle. She takes the ring in her hand. 
Then problems come to her.) Why do yer want me, 
William ? . 

Jawbones 

Because, in spite of all, I love yer. 

Ginger 

(She looks into the future.) What will I be? A 
general servant, without wages. 

Jawbones 

The question, as it seems to me, is, which of us 
two is the biggest fool? Instead of thirty bob a 
week in my pocket to spend as I like — guess I'll 'ave 
to be content with three 'alf -crowns. 

Ginger 

Seven an ' six ! Rather a lot, Bill, out 'o thirty bob. 
Don't leave much for me an' the children. 

Jawbones 

I shall 'ave to get my dinners. 

Ginger 

I could mike yer somethin' tasty to tike with yer. 
Then with, say — three shillings 



128 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Jawbones 

'Ere (He is on the point of snatching back 

the ring. He encounters her eyes. There is a mn- 
m-ent's battle. The Eternal Feminine conquers.) 
Will yer always look as sweet as yer do now? 

Ginger 
Always, Bill. So long as yer good to me ! 

(She slips the ring over Iter finger, still with her 
eyes drawing him*. He catches her to him 
in fierce passion, kisses her. 

(A loud shrill female cheer comes from the crowd. 
Till cheer is renewed and renewed.) 

Jawbones 

(//( breaks away and goes to the window.) 'Ullo! 
\Yh;ii are lliey shoutin' about now? (He looks out.) 
It's the Donah! 

Ginger 
.Mis. Chilversf 

Jawbones 

Yus. Better not get wearin' it — may shock their 
feelings. 

Ginger 

(She gazes rapturously at the ring as she draws it 
off.) It is a beauty! I do love yer, Bill. 

(Then enter Annys and Elizareth. Annys is 
excited; she is laughing and talking.) 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 129 

Annys 

(Laughing while she rearranges her hat and hair.) 
A little embarrassing. That red-haired girl, she car- 
ried me right up the steps. I was afraid she 
would 

(Jawbones has been quick enough to swing a 
chair into place just in time to receive her.) 
(She recovers herself.) Thank you. 

Elizabeth 

(She hands Annys a smelling-bottle. To Jaw- 
bones.) Open the window a few inches. 

(He does so. Some woman, much interrupted, is 
making a speech. 

(Janet opens the door a little way and looks in.) 

Janet 

Oh, it is you ! I am glad ! 

(She goes out again.) 

Elizabeth 

Are the others all here ? 

Ginger 

'Er ladyship is watching the counting. Miss 
Phoebe 'as just gone out 

(Phoebe enters.) 
Oh, 'ere she is. 



130 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Phoebe 

Hullo! (She is taking off her things.) Where 
ever have you been? "We've beer scouring the neigh- 
bourhood 

(Lady Mogton enters, followed by Janet.) 

I say, you're looking jolly chippy. 

Elizabeth 

We had an extra enthusiastic meeting. She spoke 
for rather a long time. I made her come home with 
me and lie down. I think she is all right now. 

Lady Mogton 

Would you like to see a doctor? 

Phoebe 

There is a very good man close here. (She turns 
to Jawbones, who is still near the window.) 
Gordon 

Annys 

(Interrupting.) No. Please don't. I am quite 
all right. I hate strange doctors. 

Phoebe 

Well, let me send for Whitby; he could be here 
in twenty minutes. 

Annys 

I wish you would all leave me alone. There's abso- 
lutely nothing to fuss about whatever. We pam- 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 131 

pered women — we can't breathe the same air that 
ordinary mortals have to. We ought to be ashamed 
of ourselves. 

Phoebe 

(To herself.) Obstinate pig. 

(She catches Jawbones' eye; unnoticed by the 
others, she takes him aside. They whisper.) 

Annys 

How is it going? 

Lady Mogton 

You must be prepared for winning. (She puts 
again the question that Annys has frequently been 
asked to answer during the last few days.) What 
are you going to do ? 

(Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers enters, as usual in a 
flutter of excitement.) 

Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers 
Am I late? 

(They brush her back into silence. Elizabeth 
takes charge of her.) 

Annys 

(She has risen.) You think it wise tactics, to 
make it impossible for Geoffrey to be anything else 
in the future but our enemy? 



132 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Lady Mogton 

(Contemptuously.) You are thinking of him, and 
not of the cause. 

Annys 

And if I were ! Haven 't I made sacrifice enough ? 
— more than any of you will ever know. Ay — and 
would make more, if I felt it was demanded of me. 
I don't! (Her burst of anger is finished. She turns, 
smiling.) I'm much more cunning than you think. 
There will be other elections we shall want to fight. 
"With the Under-Secretary for Home Affairs in sym- 
pathy with us, the Government will find it difficult 
to interfere. Don't you see how clever I am? 

(Jawbones, having received his instructions 
from Phoebe, has slipped out unobserved. 
He has beckoned to Ginger; she has followed 
him. Phoebe has joined the group.) 

Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers 
There's something in that. 

Janet 

Is Mr. Chilvers still in sympathy with us? 

Phoebe 

Of course he is. A bit rubbed up the wrong way 
just at present; that's our fault. When Annys goes 






THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 133 

down, early next month, to fight the Exchange Di- 
vision of Manchester, we shall have him with us. 

(A moment.) 

Lady Mogton 

Where do you get that from? 

Phoebe 

From St. Herbert. The present member is his 
cousin. They say he can't live more than a week. 

Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers 

It really seems like Providence. 

Annys 

(Has taken the opportunity of giving Phoebe a 
grateful squeeze of the hand.) 

Lady Mogton 
You will fight Manchester? 

Annys 

Yes. (Laughs.) And make myself a public nui- 
sance if I win. 

Lady Mogton 

Well, must be content with that, I suppose. Better 
not come in; the room's rather crowded. I'll keep 
you informed how things are going. 

(She goes out followed by Janet.) 

Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers 
I '11 stay with you, dear. 



134 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Phoebe 

I want you to come and be photographed for the 
Daily Mirror. The man's waiting downstairs. 

Elizabeth 

I'll stop with Annys. 

Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers 

I'm not quite sure, you know, that I take well by 
flashlight. 

Phoebe 

You wait till you've seen mamma! We must have 
you. They want you for the centre of the page. 

Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers 
Well, if it's really 

Phoebe 

(To the others.) Shall see you again. (She winks. 
Then to Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers.) We mustn't 
keep them waiting. They are giving us a whole 
page. 

(Phoebe takes Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers out 
Elizabeth has followed to the door; she 
closes it. Annys has reseated herself, facing 
the fire.) 

Elizabeth 
When did you see your husband last? 



THE MASTER OP MRS. CHILVERS 135 

Annys 

Not since — Tuesday, wasn't it, that we went round 
to his rooms. Why? 

Elizabeth 

I'm thinking about Manchester. What was it he 
said to you? 

Annys 

Oh, we were, both of us, a little over-excited, I 
suppose. He has — {she hesitates, finally answers) — 
he has always been so eager for children. 

Elizabeth 

Yes. So many men are; not having to bear the 
pain and inconvenience themselves. 

Annys 

Oh, well, they have to provide for them when they 

do come. That's fair enough division, I sup 

{Suddenly she turns fiercely.) Why do you talk like 
that? As if we women were cowards. Do you 
think if God sent me a child I should grudge Him 
the price ! 

Elizabeth 

Do you want Him to ? 

Annys 

I don't know; I prayed Him to, once. 

Elizabeth 

{She lays her hand upon her.) It isn't a few 



136 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

more mothers that the world has need of. It is the 
women whom God has appointed — to whom He has 
freedom — that they may champion the cause of the 
mothers, helpless by reason of their motherhood. 

(A moment. Geoffrey enters.) 

Geoffrey 
Good evening. 

Annys 

(Rises; a smile struggles for possession. But he 
only shakes hands, and it dies away.) 

Elizabeth 
Good evening. 

(They shake hands.) 

Geoffrey 
You are not interested in the counting? 

Annys 

The room is rather crowded. Mamma thought I 
would be better out here. How have you been? 

Geoffrey 

Oh, all right. It's going to be a very near thing, 
they tell me. 

Annys 

Yes, I shall be glad when it's over. 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 137 

Geoffrey 

It's always a trying time. What are you going 
to do, if you win? 

(Lady Mogton looks in.) 

Lady Mogton 

(Seeing Geoffrey.) Oh, good evening. 

Geoffrey 
Good evening. 

Lady Mogton 

Chilvers, 2,960— Annys Chilvers, 2,874. 

(She disappears — closes door.) 

Annys 

Perhaps I'm not going to win. (She goes to him, 
smiling.) I hope you'll win. I would so much 
rather you won. 

Geoffrey 

Very kind of you. I'm afraid that won't make it 
a certainty. 

Annys 

(His answer has hardened her again.) How can 
I? It would not be fair. Without your consent I 
should never have entered upon it. It was under- 
stood that the seat, in any case, would be yours. 

Geoffrey 
I would rather you considered yourself quite free. 



138 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

In warfare it doesn't pay to be "fair" to one's 
enemy. 

Annys 

(Still hardening.) Besides, there is no need. 
There will be other opportunities. I can contest 
some other constituency. If I win, claim the seat 
for that. 

(A moment.) 

Geoffrey 

So this is only the beginning? You have decided 
to devote yourself to a political career? 

Annys 
Why not? 

Geoffrey 

If I were to ask you to abandon it, to come back 
to your place at my side — helping me, strengthening 
me? 

Annys 

You mean you would have me abandon my own 
task — merge myself in you? 

Geoffrey 
Be my wife. 

Annys 

It would not be right. I, too, have my work. 

Geoffrey 
If it takes you away from me? 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 139 

Annys 

Why need it take me away from you? Why 
cannot we work together for common ends, each in 
our own way? 

Geoffrey 

We talked like this before we tried it. Marriage 
is not a partnership; it is a leadership. 

Annys 

(She looks at him.) You mean — an ownership. 

Geoffrey 

Perhaps you're right. I didn't make it. I'm only 
— beginning to understand it. 

Annys 

And I too. It is not what I want. 

Geoffrey 
You mean its duties have become irksome to you. 

Annys 

I mean I want to be the judge myself of what are 
my duties. 

Geoffrey 

I no longer count. You will go your way with- 
out me? 

Annys 

I must go the way I think right. 



140 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Geoffrey 

(He flings away.) If you win to-night you will 
do well to make the most of it. Take my advice 
and claim the seat. 

Annys 

(Looks at him puzzled.) 

Elizabeth 
Why? 

Geoffrey 

Because (ivith a short, ugly laugh) the Lord only 
knows when you'll get another opportunity. 

Elizabeth 
You are going to stop us? 

Geoffrey 

To stop women from going to the poll. The Bill 
will be introduced on Monday. Carried through all 
its stages the same week. 

Elizabeth 

You think it will pass? 

Geoffrey 
The Whips assure me that it will. 

Annys 

But they cannot, they dare not, without your 

assent. The (The light breaks in upon her.) 

Who is bringing it in? 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 141 

Geoffrey 
I am. 

Annys 

(Is going to speak.) 

Geoffrey 

(He stops her.) Oh, I'm prepared for all that — 
ridicule, abuse. "Chilvers's Bill for the Better Reg- 
ulation of Mrs. Chilvers," they'll call it. I can hear 
their laughter. Yours won't be among it. 

Annys 

But, Geoffrey! What is the meaning? Merely 
to spite me, are you going to betray a cause that 
you have professed belief in — that you have fought 
for? 

Geoffrey 

Yes — if it is going to take you away from me. 
I want you. No, I don't want a friend — "a fellow- 
worker" — some interesting rival in well doing. I 
can get all that outside my home. I want a wife. 
I want the woman I love to belong to me — to be 
mine. I am not troubling about being up to date; 
I'm talking what I feel — what every male crea- 
ture must have felt since the protoplasmic cell de- 
veloped instincts. I want a woman to love — a wo- 
man to work for — a woman to fight for — a woman to 
be a slave to. But mine — mine, and nothing else 
All the rest (he makes a gesture) is talk. . 



142 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

(He closes the window, shutting out the hubbub 
of the crowd.) 

Annys 

(A strange, new light has stolen in. She is be- 
urildered, groping.) But — all this is new between 

us. You have not talked like this for — not since 

"We were just good friends — comrades. 



Geoffrey 

And might have remained so, God knows! I sup- 
pose we're made like that. So long as there was no 
danger passion slept. I cannol explain it, I only 
know that now, beside the thought of losing you, all 
else in the world seems meaningless. The "Woman's 
Movement! {He makes a gesture of contempt.) 
Men have wrecked kingdoms for a woman before now 
— and will again. I want you! (He comes to her.) 
"Won't you come back to me, that we may build up 
the home we used to dream of? "Wasn't the old love 
good? "What has this new love to give you? Work 
that man can do better. The cause of the woman — 
the children! Has woman loved woman better than 
man? Will the world be better for the children, 
man and woman contending? Come back to me. 
Help me. Help me to fight for all good women. 
Teach me how I may make the world better — for 
our children. 



THE MASTER OP MRS. CHILVERS 143 

Anny> 

(The light is in her eyes. She stands a moment. 
Her hands are going out to him.) 

Elizabeth 

(She comes between them.) Yes, go to him. He 
will be very good to you. Good men are kind to 
women, kind even to their dogs. You will be among 
the pampered few ! You will be happy. And the 
others! What does it matter? 

(They draw apart. She stands between them, 
the incarnation of the spirit of sex ivar.) 

The women that have not kind owners — the dogs 
that have not kind masters — the dumb women, chained 
to their endless, unpaid drudgery ? Let them be con- 
tent. What are they but man's chattel? To be 
honoured if it pleases him, or to be cast into the dust. 
Man's pauper! Bound by his laws, subject to his 
whim; her every hope, her every aspiration, owed to 
his charity. She toils for him without ceasing: it 
should be her "pleasure." She bears him children, 
when he chooses to desire them. They are his to 
do as he will by. Why seek to change it? Our man 
is kind. What have they to do with us: the women 
beaten, driven, overtasked — the women without hope 
or joy, the livers of grey lives that men may laugh 
and spend — the woman degraded lower than the 
beasts to pander to the beast in man — the women 
outraged and abandoned, bearing to the grave the 
burden of man's lust? Let them go their way. 



144 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

They are but our sisters of sorrow And we who 
could help them — we to whom God has given the 
weapons, the brain, and the courage — we make 
answer: "I have married a husband, and I cannot 
come." 

(A silence.) 

Geoffrey 

"Well, you have heard. (Re makes a gesture.) 
What is your answer? 

Annys 

(She comes to him.) Don't you love me enough 
to humour me a little — to put up with my vexing 
ways? I so want to help, to feel I am doing just 
a little, to make the world kinder. I know you can 
do it better, but I want so to be "in it." (She 
laughs.) Let us forget all this. Wake up to-mor- 
row morning with fresh hearts. You will be Member 
for East Poplar. And then you shall help me to 
win Manchester. (She 79 wis her hands upon his 
'breast: she would have him take her in his arms.) 
I am not strong enough to fight alone. 

Geoffrey 

I want you. Let Manchester find some one else. 

Annys 

(She draws away from him.) And if I cannot — 
will not? 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 145 

Geoffrey 

I bring in my Bill on Monday. We'll be quite 
frank about it. That is my price — you. I want 
you ! 

Annys 

You mean it comes to that: a whole cause de- 
pendent on a man and a woman ! 

Geoffrey 

Yes, that is how the world is built. On each man 
and woman. ' ' How does it shape my life, my hopes ? ' ' 
So will each make answer. 

(Lady Mogton enters. She stands silent.) 

Elizabeth 
Is it over? 

Lady Mogton 

Annys Chilvers, 3,604— Geoffrey Chilvers, 3,590. 

(Janet enters.) 

Janet 

(She rushes to Annys, embraces her.) You've 
won, you've won! (She flies to the window, opens 
it, and goes out on to the balcony.) 

(Phoebe enters, followed by Mrs. Mountcalm- 
Villiers. ) 



146 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Phoebe 
Is it true? 

Lady Mogton 
Pretty close. Majority of 14. 

Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers 
For us? 

Lady Mogton 
For us. 

(Janet by this time has announced the figures. 
There is heard a great burst af cheering, re- 
nt wed again and again.) 

Janet 

(Re-entering.) They want you! They want you! 
(Mingled with the cheering come cries of 
''Speech!" "Speech!") 

Lady Mogton 

You must say something. 

(The band strikes up "The Conquering Hero." 
The women crowd round Annys, congratu- 
lating her. Geoffrey stands apart.) 

* 
Phoebe 

(Screaming above the din.) Put on your cloak. 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 147 

Janet 

(Bushes and gets it.) 

(They wrap it round her.) 

(Annys goes out on to the balcony, followed by 
the other women. Elizabeth, going last, 
fires a parting smile of triumph at Geoffrey. 

(A renewed burst of cheering announces their 
arrival on the balcony. The crowd bursts 
into "For She's a Jolly Good Felloiv" — 
the band making a quick change, joins in. 
Geoffrey remains centre. 

(Jawbones enters unobserved. The singing ends 
with three cheers. Annys is speaking. 
Geoffrey turns and sees Jawbones.) 

Geoffrey 

(With a smile.) Give me down my coat,will you? 

Jawbones 

(He is sympathetic. He helps him on with it.) 
Shall I get you a cab, sir? 

Geoffrey 

No, thanks. I'll pick one up. (He goes towards 
the door, then stops.) Is there any other way out 
— not through the main entrance? 



148 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Jawbones 

Yes, sir. There's a side door opening on Wood- 
stock Road. I '11 show it you. 

Geoffrey 
Thanks. {Be follows Jawbones out.) 

(A burst of cheering comes from the crowd.) 
Curtain. 



THE FOURTH ACT 






THE FOUETH ACT. 

Scene: — Russell Square. The morning-room {on 
the ground floor.) A small, cheerful room, fur- 
nished in Chippendale, white panelled, with 
Adams fireplace in which a bright fire is burning. 
The window-curtains of red damask are drawn. 
An oval table occupies the centre of the room. 
The door at back opens upon the hall. Only one 
light burns, an electric lamp on a table just above 
the fire. 

Time : — Midnight. 

(The door opens. Geoffrey enters. He has 
left his out-door things in the hall. He 
crosses and rings the bell. A moment.) 

(Hake enters.) 

Geoffrey 

Oh, you, Hake ! There wasn 't any need for you 
to have stopped. 

Hake 

I was not sure of your arrangements. I thought 
perhaps I might be wanted. 

151 



152 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Geoffrey 
Sorry. I ought to have told you. 

Hake 

It's been no inconvenience, sir. I told Mrs. Hake 
not to sit up. 

Geoffrey 

(He is opening and reading his letters left for 
him on the table.) Does she generally sit up for 
you? 

Hake 

As a rule, sir. We like a little chat before going 
to bed. 

Geoffrey 

(His eyes on a letter.) "What do you find to chat 
about ? 

Hake 

Oh, there is so much for a husband and wife to 
talk about. The As a rule. 

(A clock on the mantelpiece strikes one.) 

Geoffrey 
What's that? 

Hake 

Quarter past twelve, sir. 

Geoffrey 
Has your mistress come in? 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 153 

Hake 

Not yet, sir. Has the election gone all right, 
sir? 

Geoffrey 

For Mrs. Chilvers, yes. She is now member for 
East Poplar. 

Hake 

I am sorry. It has been a great surprise to me. 

Geoffrey 
The result? 

Hake 

The whole thing, sir. Such a sweet lady, we all 
thought her. 

Geoffrey 
Life, Hake, is a surprising affair. 

{A ring is heard.) 

I expect that's she. She has forgotten her key. 

(Hake goes out.) 

(Geoffrey continues his letters. A few mo- 
ments pass; Hake re-enters, closes the door.) 

Hake 

(He seems puzzled.) It's a lady, sir. 

(Geoffrey turns.) 



154 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Hake 

At least — hardly a lady. A Mrs. Chinn. 

Geoffrey 

Mrs. Chinn! (He glances at his match.) At 
twelve o'clock at night. Well, all right. I'll see 
her. 

(Hake opens the door, speaks to Mrs. Chinn. 
She enters, in bonnet and shawl.) 

Hake 

Mrs. Chinn. 

Geoffrey 
Good evening, Mrs. Chinn. 

Mrs. Chinn 

Good evening, sir. 

Geoffrey 

You needn't stop, Hake. I shan't be wanting 
anything. 

Hake 

Thank you, sir. 

Geoffrey 
Apologise for me to Mrs. Hake. Good-night. 

Hake 

Good-night, sir. 

(Hake goes out. A minute later the front door 
is heard to slam.) 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 155 

Geoffrey 

Won't you sit down? (He puts a chair for her 
left of the table.) 

Mrs. Chinn 

(Seating herself.) Thank you, sir. 

Geoffrey 

(He half sits on the arm of the easy-chair below 
the fire.) What's the trouble? 

Mrs. Chinn 

It's my boy, sir — my youngest. He's been taking 
money that didn't belong to him. 

Geoffrey 
Urn. Has it been going on for long? 

Mrs. Chinn 

About six months, sir. I only heard of it to-night. 
You see, his wife died a year ago. She was such a 
good manager. And after she was gone he seems 
to have got into debt. 

Geoffrey 
What were his wages? 

Mrs. Chinn 

Nineteen shillings a week, sir. And that with the 
rent and three young children — well, it wants think- 
ing out. 



156 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Geoffrey 

From whom did he take the money — his em- 
ployers ? 

Mrs. Chinn 

Yes, sir. He was a carman. They had always 
trusted him to collect the accounts. 

Geoffrey 
How much, would you say, was the defalcation ? 

Mrs. Chinn 

I beg pardon, sir. • 

Geoffrey 

How much does it amount to, the sums that he 
has taken? 

Mrs. Chinn 

Six pounds, sir, Mr. Cohen says it comes to. 

Geoffrey 

Won't they accept repayment? 

Mes. Chinn 

Yes, sir. Mr. Cohen has been very nice about it. 
He is going to let me pay it off by instalments. 

Geoffrey 
AVell, then, that gets over most of the trouble. 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 157 

Mrs. Chinn 

AVell, you see sir, unfortunately, Mr. Cohen gave 
information to the police the moment he discovered 
it. 

Geoffrey 
Umph ! Can't he say he made a mistake? 

Mrs. Chinn 

They say it must go for trial. That he can only 
withdraw the charge in court. 

Geoffrey 
Urn! 

Mrs. Chinn 

You see, sir — a thing like that (She recovers 

herself.) It clings to a lad. 

Geoffrey 
"What do you want me to do? 

Mrs. Chinn 

Well, sir, I thought that perhaps — you see, sir, he 
has got a brother in Canada who would help him; 
and I thought that if I could ship him off 

Geoffrey 

You want me to tip the wink to the police to look 
the other way while you smuggle this young male- 
factor out of the clutches of the law? 



158 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Mrs. Chinn 

(Quite indifferent to the moral aspect of the case.) 
If you would be so kind, sir. 

Geoffrey 

Umph ! I suppose you know what you're doing; 
appealing through your womanhood to man's weak- 
ness — employing "backstairs influence" to gain your 
private ends, indifferent to the higher issues of the 
public weal? All the things that are going to cease 
when woman has the vote. 

Mrs. Chinn 

You see, sir, he's the youngest. 

(Gradually the decent but dingy figure of Mrs. 
Chinn has taken to itself new shape. To 
Geoffrey, it almost seems as though there 
were growing out of the shadows over 
against him the figure of great Artemis her- 
self — Artemis of the Thousand Breasts. He 
had returned honu angry, bitter against all 
women. As sin unfolds her simple talc un- 
derstanding comes to him. So long as tin re 
ae, "Mrs. Chinns" in the world, Woman 
claims homage.) 

Geoffrey 

How many were there? 

Mrs. Chinn 

Ten altogether, sir, six living. 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 159 

Geoffrey 
Been a bit of a struggle for you, hasn't it? 

Mrs. Chinn 

It has been a bit difficult, at times ; especially after 
their poor father died. 

Geoffrey 
How many were you left with ? 

Mrs. Chinn 
Eight, sir. 

Geoffrey 
How on earth did you manage to keep them? 

Mrs. Chinn 

Well, you see, sir, the two eldest, they were earning 
a little. I don't think I could have done it without 
that. 

Geoffrey 

"Wasn't there any source from which you could 
have obtained help? What was your husband? 

Mrs. Chinn 

He worked in the shipyards, sir. There was some 
talk about it. But, of course, that always means 
taking the children away from you. 

Geoffrey 
Would not that have been better for them? 



160 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Mrs. Chinn 

Not always, sir. Of course, if I hadn't been able 
to do my duty by them I should have had to. But, 
thank God, I've always been strong. 

Geoffrey 

(He rises.) I will see what can be done. 

Mrs. Chinn 
Thank you, sir. 

Geoffrey 

(Half -van, he turns.) When does the next boat 
sail — for Canada? 

Mrs. Chinn 

To-morrow night, sir, from Glasgow. I have 
booked his passage. 

Geoffrey 

( With a smile.) You seem to have taken every- 
thing for granted. 

Mrs. Chinn 

You see, sir, it's the disgrace. All the others are 
doing so well. It would upset them so. 

(He goes out.) 

(There is a moment.) 

(Annys enters. She is wearing her outdoor 
things. ) 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 161 

Annys 

Mrs. Chirm! 

Mrs. Chinn 

(She has risen; she curtseys.) Good-evening, 
ma'am. 

Annys 

(She is taking off her hat.) Nothing wrong, is 
there ? 

Mrs. Chinn 

My boy, ma'am, my youngest, has been getting 
into trouble. 

Annys 

(She pauses, her hat in her hand.) They will 
won't they? It's nothing serious, I hope? 

Mrs. Chinn 

I think it will be all right, ma'am, thanks to your 
good man. 

Annys 

(She lays aside her hat.) You have had a good 
many children, haven't you, Mrs. Chinn? 

Mrs. Chinn 

Ten altogether, ma'am; six living. 



162 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

Annys 

Can one love ten, all at once? 

(The cloak has fallen aside. Mrs. Chinn is a 
much experienced lady.) 

Mrs. Chinn 

Just as many as come, dear. God sends the love 
with them. 

(There is a moment; the two women are very 
close to one another. Then Annys gives a 
little cry and somehow their arms arc round 
one another.) 

(She mothers her into the easy chair above the fire; 
places a footstool under her feet.) You have your 
cry out, dearie, it will do you good. 

Annys 

You look so strong and great. 

Mrs. Chinn 

It's the tears, dearie. (She arranges the footstool.) 
You keep your feet up. 

(The handle of the door is heard. Mrs. Chinn 
is standing beside her own chair. She is 
putting back her handkerchief into her bag.) 

(Geoffrey re-enters.) 

(Annys is hidden in the easy chair. He does 
not see her.) 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 163 

Geoffrey 

Well, Mrs. Chinn, an exhaustive search for the ac- 
cused will be commenced — next week. 

Mrs. Chinn 
Thank you, sir. 

Geoffrey 

What about the children — are they going with 
him? 

Mrs. Chinn 

No, sir; I thought he would be better without them 
till everything is settled. 

Geoffrey 
Who is taking care of them — you? 

Mrs. Chinn 
Yes, sir. 

Geoffrey 
And the passage money — how much was that? 

Mrs. Chinn 

Four pound fifteen, sir. 

Geoffrey 
Would you mind my coming in, as a friend ? 

Mrs. Chinn 

Well, sir, if you don't mind, I'd rather not. I've 



164 THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 

always done everything for the children myself. It's 
been a fad of mine. 

Geoffrey 

(He makes a gesture of despair.) You mothers! 
You're so greedy. (He holds out his hand, smiling.) 
Goodbye. 

Mrs. Chinn 

(She takes Ins hand in hers.) God bless you, sir. 
And your good lady. 

Geoffrey 

(As he takes her to the door.) How will you get 
home ? 

Mrs. Chinn 

I can get the Underground from Gower Street, 
sir. 

(They go out talking about last trains and leav- 
ing the door open. The next moment the 
front door is heard to slam.) 

(Geoffrey re-enters.) 

(Annys has moved round, so that coming back 
into the room he finds her there.) 

Geoffrey 

How long have you been in? 

(He closes the door.) 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 165 

Annys 

Only a few minutes — while you were at the tele- 
phone. I had to rest for a little while. Dr. Whitby 
brought me back in his motor. 

Geoffrey 
AVas he down there? 

Annys 

Phoebe had sent for him. I had been taken a little 
giddy earlier in the day. 

Geoffrey 

(He grunts. He is fighting ivith his tenderness.) 
Don't wonder at it. All this overwork and excite- 
ment. 

Annys 

I'm afraid I've been hurting you. 

Geoffrey 

(Still growling.) Both been hurting each other, 
I expect. 

Annys 

(She smiles.) It's so easy to hurt those that love 
us. 

(She makes a little movement, feebly stretches 
out her arms to him. Wondering, he comes 
across to her. She draws him down beside 
her, takes his arms and places them about 
her.) 



166 THE MASTER QF MRS. CHILVERS 

I want to feel that I belong to you. That you are 
strong. That I can rest upon you. 

Geoffrey 

(He cannot understand.) But only an hour 

ago (He looks at her.) Have you, too, turned 

traitor to the "Woman's Cause? 

Annys 

(She answers smiling.) No, but woman, dear, 
is a much more complicated person than I thought 
her. It is only in this hour that God has revealed 
her to me. (She draws him closer.) I want you, 
dear — dear husband. Take care of us — both, won't 
you? I love you, I love you. I did not know how 
much. 

Geoffrey 

(He gathers her to him, kissing her, crooning over 
her.) Oh, my dear, my dear! My little one, my 
love, my wife! 



Annys 

(She is laughing, crying.) But, Geoffrey, dear- 

(He tries to calm her.) 



No, let me. I want to And then I'll be quite 

good, I promise It's only fair to warn you. 

When I'm strong and can think again, I shall still 
want to vote. I shall want it more than ever. 



THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS 167 

Geoffrey 

(He answers with a happy laugh, holding her in 
his arms.) 

Annys 

You will help us? Because it's right, dear, isn't 
it? He will be my child as well as yours. You 
will let me help you make the world better for our 
child — and for all the children — and for all the 
mothers — and for all the dear, kind men: you will 
won't you? 

Geoffrey 

I thought you were drifting away from me: that 
strange voices were calling you away from life and 
motherhood. God has laughed at my fears. He has 
sent you back to me with His command. We will 
fashion His World together, we two lovers, Man and 
Woman, joined together in all things. It is His will. 
His chains are the children's hands. 

(Kneeling, he holds her in his arms.) 
(The Curtains Falls.) 

THE END 



AUtt <■* 



LB D 'I! 



THE MASTER OF 
MRS. CHILVERS 



BY 

JEROME K. JEROME 



NEW YORK 

DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY 

1911 



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